International Nurses Day – A Vision for Future Healthcare

This year the theme for International Nurses Day (IND) is a vision for future healthcare. On IND we reflect on the intense strain that the global health crisis had on our healthcare professionals. This strain is being felt worldwide and in regional Australia, where nurses and healthcare practitioners are now in demand more than ever. It is predicted that regional areas will need more than 85,000 nurses, healthcare and social assistance professional by 2023.

It is inspiring to see that there are so many students going back to university to become a Nurse or healthcare professional across the CUC network. In 2021, 28% of CUC students are currently studying a health-related degree, while 18% study Psychology, Social Work & Community Service. Most of our students are already working within their local hospital or healthcare services, contributing positively to the workforce needs of their region.

We are proud of our healthcare students who are working in our hospitals and surgeries and have already helped so many of their local community. Across our Centres, we have seen an increasing interest in healthcare degrees, with CUC Far West having 35% of their student cohort studying health, 22% of students at CUC Western Riverina, 29% at CUC Goulburn, 16% at Snowy Monaro, 38% at CUC Clarence Valley and 24% at CUC North West.

It was also incredible to see that CUC Far West had 22 of their 2019-2020 students graduate from healthcare degrees. These degrees included Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Health Science (Aboriginal Mental Health), Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Midwifery, Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care, Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Health, Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion, Master of Disability Studies (Education), Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Master of Counselling.

Student Story

We spoke to Jayde, a CUC student and future regional nurse, about why country healthcare workers are so critical within our local communities and how we should celebrate them this IND.

“Country healthcare workers are so important in our town because they must have such a broad skillset and range of knowledge across so many different fields of health. These workers must cover all bases within regional healthcare services. Sometimes they are the only point of call within large a country area. For example, most country Midwives are also Registered Nurses and work on several wards on their shifts. Without these professionals, most communities would not have access to a wide range of health services and quality care.”

“I love rural nursing. The community and colleagues that you get to work with are so genuine and welcoming. I am currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Information Technology with the plan to return to my final year of nursing next year. I hope that the skills I acquired from both degrees will assist me in nursing in a technology-based post-pandemic world. I hope to be able to use these IT skills to improve communities’ access to health services.”

“It is so important that we appreciate our local nurses this International Nurses Day by saying thank you. Nurses are not in the job for praise; they are there to help; they are born helpers. So, saying thanks will resonate with them, and maybe buy them a coffee!”

Student Story

CUC Nursing and Healthcare students are shaping our regional healthcare system’s future, so we talk to Jaimie, a CUC Nursing student, to find out how she found the Bachelor of Nursing and what nursing means to her.

“I am a mother of four, who has had a successful 23-year career as an NSW Police officer. After leaving NSW Police, I needed to continue to help people and lead people… from there, I found the Bachelor of Nursing. I chose to complete the Bachelor of Nursing as opposed to the Diploma of Nursing due to increased support that was offered through CSU and the CUC.

My original thought when starting the course was to specialise in Midwifery. I feel it is an absolute honour to be involved in the birth of a child and the care during pregnancy, and the care of the mother and family.

The most rewarding part of the course has been meeting people from all over Australia that have a combined goal in caring for people, genuinely helping people living better lives, and providing the best nursing care for all walks of life.”

Did you know CUC has a specialised Nursing tutor for CSU Bachelor of Nursing students?

For more information about taking your next step in becoming a rural nurse, please pop into one of our Centres to discuss what course is right for you. If you wish to explore more on the Bachelor of Nursing degree through CSU, please follow these links:

• The Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt University – information about the course, subjects and entry criteria
• There are several ways to enter Charles Sturt Nursing Degrees: learn more about our Admissions Pathways
• Connect with our Indigenous Student Support team, and learn more about their services, including the Indigenous Access Program (IAP)
• How can Three Rivers UDRH support your journey in Nursing? Explore our website to learn more. Check out the Indigenous Pathways to Health handbook for details about other health careers as well
• Interested in getting a scholarship to support your studies? Visit the Scholarships Office website to search through millions of dollars of grants – if you need support applying for a scholarship, please connect with your local CUC team or the team at Three Rivers UDRH
• Book a consultation with someone from the Future Students Team to take a deep dive into Nursing, Midwifery, and all things Charles Sturt
• Check out our on-demand videos and FAQs from the recent Virtual Open Day
• Getting hands-on is what we do, do not just take our word for it. Hear from some of our Current Nursing students and graduates and check out some of the Nursing facilities
• For more information about the CUC-CSU Nursing Tutor program, please email Rebecca directly at: broadbent@cuc.edu.au

Want to register with your local CUC? 

Registering with your local CUC is free and provides you with a quiet, dedicated space to study.

• Register here!