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Student ID: GAB04154621

Introduction

There have been many changes in the way nurses are trained over the years. Nurses education is one of the most significant changes that has happened in the nursing field. This essay will demonstrate the reasons for this change as well as its effect on the nursing profession.

Background of Nursing Education in Australia.

Nurses training in Australia has changed considerably over the years. Prior to the provision of nursing training through tertiary institutions i.e. universities and colleges, nurses training was provided in hospitals over a period of three years, after which nurses were awarded a certificate in general nursing. Moreover, the qualified nurses were given a registration badge by the state registering authorities. The badges were worn on the collar of their uniforms. (Nurses and Midwifes, 2011). The main focus of this method of training was to teach nurses the skills and knowledge to allow them to work in a hospital setting. (Berman et al, 2008, p24).

Student ID: GAB04154621

Reasons for the changes.

The Australia Government Department of Education, Science and Training (2010) outlines that between the years 1943 to 1984, was the time when many changes in nursing education occurred. The first major investigation in nursing took place in 1943 and the decision to transfer nurses training to higher education happened in 1984 and the transfer was completed in 1993. One of the main reasons for the transfer was the huge labor shortage that affected nursing and some believed that the high labor shortage was due to the status of nursing, wages and conditions of work, which was in turn link to poor inefficient training.

Another reason for the move to tertiary education is the fact that nursing had to adapt to the introduction of technology, new scientific knowledge and also cultural and changes in society. Nurses education had to change in order to enable nurses to work in new settings and the continuously changing environment. (Berman et al. 2008, p. 24)

Student ID: GAB04154621

How did the change affect contemporary nursing practice?

The Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training (2010) states that after the transition more women had access to higher education since nursing was mainly dominated by women. Furthermore, enrolment in nursing increased considerably and some nursing students enrolled in doctoral programs at some universities. As a result, Australia had the change to become a world leader in the postgraduate field.

Berman et al. (2008, p.24) states that nowadays there are two types of entrylevel nurse. Enrolled Nurse (EN) are trained through the vocational education sector (TAFE) and Registered Nurse (RN) who graduates after a 3 year program at universities. Courses nowadays focus more on critical thinking, health promotion and maintenance as required in health institutions nationwide. (Berman et al. 2008, p24)

Student ID: GAB04154621

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the transition of nurses training from an apprenticeship model to higher education has had good outcomes for the nursing profession. Giving nurses access to higher education and more updated training to keep them abreast of new techniques and knowledge. This will allow nurses to have better working conditions and recognition.

Student ID: GAB04154621

References
Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training 2011, archive, viewed 2 August 2011 <http://www.dest.gov.au/archive/highered/programmes/nursing/paper1.htm#2> Nurses and Midwives 2011, Registered Nursing, viewed 3 August 2011 <http://www.nursesandmidwives.com/registered-nursing/the-history-of-nursing> Berman, A, Snyder, S, Kozier, B, Erb, G, C 2008, Fundamentals of Nursing, 8th edn, Pearson Australia, NSW.

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