Bachelor of Nursing at Western Sydney University

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a Registered Nurse. The course emphasizes vital assessment and clinical decision-making abilities, fostering a person-centred, professional approach to patient care. Graduates are prepared to work across various healthcare, industry, and community settings.

Core Skills Developed:

• Professional Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making: Develop critical skills to assess patient conditions and make informed clinical decisions.
• Person-Centred Care: Learn to provide care that respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values.
• Professional Communication: Enhance communication skills to effectively collaborate with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Enquiry and Research: Gain the ability to engage in evidence-based practice through research and critical enquiry.
• Diversity Awareness: Understand and appreciate cultural and individual diversity to provide inclusive care.
• Self-Care Practices: Learn strategies to maintain personal well-being and resilience in a demanding profession.

Course Structure:
The three-year curriculum combines theoretical study with practical experience, covering areas such as:

• Foundational Human Biology: Study the structure and function of the human body to understand health and disease.
• Research Practice: Learn methodologies to conduct and apply research in clinical settings.
• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Acquire essential nursing skills through simulated environments and real-world practice.
• Patient-Centred Care: Emphasize the importance of tailoring care to meet individual patient needs.

Students will complete 800 hours of clinical placements in various healthcare settings, providing hands-on experience to build confidence and competence.

Career Opportunities:
Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in the nursing field, including:

• Registered Nurse: Provide comprehensive patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
• Community/Primary Health Care Nurse: Deliver nursing care in community environments, such as homes, shelters, and clinics, focusing on health promotion and illness prevention.
• Specialist Nurse Roles: Opportunities to specialize in areas like aged care, mental health, or pediatric nursing.

Course Requirements

• Academic Requirements: Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent.
• English Language Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, proof of proficiency is required, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. Equivalent tests like PTE are also accepted.
• Additional Requirements: Some institutions may offer alternative language testing options, such as an in-house English Placement Test.