Year 12 students test drive a nursing career

Year 12 students from more than 10 high schools have completed a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance course accredited by NSW Health at Blacktown Hospital.

The qualification will allow the graduates to work as Assistants in Nursing in acute care and their skills will now be put to practice as part of clinical placements at Blacktown, Westmead and Auburn hospitals.

Gabi Assuncao was one of 36 students who graduated from the course this month. Gabi graduated from Plumpton High School this year and said she coudn’t wait to study nursing at university in 2020.

“I decided I wanted to be a nurse after helping take care of my grandfather who has dementia,” Gabi said.

“The course helped me make a decision about my career. I gained valuable experiencing working in Westmead Hospital’s geriatric ward and I connected well with the dementia patients.

“Once I’ve completed my studies I hope to work at Westmead Hospital.”

The course supports the provision of Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications that are designed to meet current and future health workforce needs.

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) nurse educator and course coordinator Carrie Alvaro, reported that more than half the students have already been successful in gaining entry into the Bachelor of Nursing course at university, with some already working as assistants in nursing.

“Investing in students when they are completing their final year of high school is important and could influence them to continue further studies in nursing or midwifery,” Ms Alvaro said.

To find out more about job opportunities at WSLHD, click here.