TEACHING THE NURSES VICTORIA NEEDS

Monash University is helping to lead the way in recognising the importance of nursing while inspiring the next generation of nurses to join its courses, which are among the world’s best.

Domestic students who commenced undergraduate nursing and midwifery degrees at the university in 2023 may be eligible for the Victorian Government’s free nursing and midwifery study initiative, which aims to alleviate a national skills shortage caused by the pandemic.

With around 450,000 registered nurses and midwives in Australia, Health Workforce Australia (HWA) estimates Australia will be about 100,000 nurses short by 2025 and 123,000 by 2030.

Monash University has graduated 15,000 new nurses and midwives over the past 32 years and is ideally positioned to meet this need, with a 19 per cent increase in undergraduate nursing and midwifery enrolments in 2023.

Among them is Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery (Hons) student and Tatitati-Palawa woman Ashlyn Mayes, who is studying for her “dream” career. After receiving several offers from across the country, Ashlyn chose Monash because of its globally recognised nursing course and the Victorian Government’s free nursing initiative.

“This was the cherry on top of committing to studying and working in Victoria as a nurse-midwife,” Ashlyn said. “I am so grateful to the Victorian Government, and I am proud, excited and relieved to benefit from this initiative to support new nurses and midwives.

“I was interested in studying at Monash due to the facilities and support. My favourite time of the week is when I have my Clinical Learning Environment classes. Here, I feel like I’m already a grad nurse working in a real hospital!”

Monash Nursing and Midwifery is Victoria’s number one nursing school, consistently ranked in the top 20 of nursing schools globally. It was ranked fifth in the prestigious ShanghaiRankings Global Rankings of Academic Subjects in 2022.

The program has 1600 current undergraduate and 1000 postgraduate students across 75 units.

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC said the nursing program has always evolved with industry needs, and was more important now than ever before.

“Monash Nursing and Midwifery is Victoria’s best tertiary education program and will play a critical role in alleviating Australia’s nursing shortage,” Professor Gardner says. “The Victorian Government’s free nursing and midwifery study initiative will also assist in attracting highquality students with great potential.

“The pandemic has underlined the importance of health professionals, including nurses and midwives, and we must support those who aspire to a career in this vital field.”

Professor Julia Morphet leads Monash Nursing and Midwifery’s response to the industry’s changing scope and increased demand for advanced practice nurses.

“With a growing demand for technological innovation in teaching, nurse-led research and industry collaborations, we’re proud to support and lead high-quality education and research that addresses real-world challenges for local and global impact,” she said. Monash University courses respond to industry needs and prepare students for the complexities of diverse healthcare settings. Innovative new simulation models are enhancing teaching with leading-edge technology. Director of Simulation Samantha Dix is the first such appointment in Australia.

Diversity is also important: Ten per cent of undergraduate nursing and midwifery students are from regional communities, 35 per cent are from medium to low socioeconomic areas, and 54 per cent are the first in their family to study at university. Gukwonderuk, led by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Associate Dean (Indigenous), Professor Karen Adams, provides culturally-informed support for First Nations nursing and midwifery students.

The Growing Indigenous Graduates program engages them while still at school with activities like Hands On Health. They are also guided through the University’s admissions process and throughout their university journey.

“Nurses and midwives are vital to healthy, diverse and thriving communities,” Professor Morphet said. “At Monash University, we’re proud to play a fundamental role in providing them with a world-class innovative education in partnership with the Victorian healthcare industry.”