Nursing Postgraduate Course Guide

COURSE GUIDE

CAREERSwithSTEM

™

GRADUATE OPTIONS

graduate pathways in nursing

Nursing for the changing world.

Amid social disruption and technological change, nurses maintain a singular focus—patient care.

The impact of their work can reach beyond individuals and their families, to improve the health and wellbeing of communities. Today, the need for nurses is greater than ever, and nurses are increasingly playing a bigger role in our healthcare system.

QUT’s School of Nursing is the first and largest centre for tertiary nursing education in Queensland, with a true

qut.edu.au/health

TEQSA Provider ID PRV12079 Australian University | CRICOS 00213J | © QUT 2023 25650

dedication to developing the next generation of nurses to succeed and fostering an environment that supports lifelong learning.

Learn from some of Australia’s most respected nursing experts. Grow in your practice with mentorship from industry leaders, and expand your skills, insight and connections to confidently lead the transformation of healthcare delivery.

Advance your nursing career with a QUT postgraduate degree.

FOREWORD

Raising the bar

Dive deep into your favourite area of nursing with advanced education. Boost your expertise and worth.

3. Better pay Having postgrad qualifications can often lead to jobs with higher pay for nurses.

QUT / SHUTTERSTOCK

4. Better patient outcomes Postgrad study can equip you with the knowledge to provide even better care and improve patient outcomes.

Head, School of Nursing, QUT

Master of Social Science Diploma of Applied Science (Nursing Education)

Patsy Yates, AM, FAHMS Executive Dean, QUT Faculty of Health

Director, Qld Health Centre for Palliative Care Education and Research

2. Specialise

and new career opportunities. In a postgraduate course, you’ll learn from experienced nursing professionals, gain a deeper understanding of the industry and be better equipped to provide high-quality care to your patients.

Whether you’re just starting to consider your options or you’re ready to jump into further study, this guide is the perfect place to start. It’s full of information about the courses available at QUT, including profiles of nurses who have completed them. You’ll discover what you can expect from the courses, what you’ll learn and how you can use that knowledge to advance your career.

I hope this guide inspires you to take your nursing career to the next level.

Bachelor of Arts

Postgrad study can give you the skills to step up and lead in healthcare organisations.

Midwifery Certificate

1. Become a leader

General Nursing Certificate

5 reasons postgrad study will give your nursing career an edge

PhD

I

f you’re a nurse looking to take your career to the next level, you’ve come to the right place.

I know firsthand the value of furthering your education in nursing. After working as a registered nurse at Princess Alexandra Hospital, I went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Social Science and PhD. My PhD research focused on the experiences of bereaved caregivers of people with cancer, and I continue to conduct research in the field of palliative care, cancer and aged care as a Distinguished Professor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health at QUT. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring many postgraduate nursing students, and I can tell you that pursuing additional education in nursing can open up many doors

Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, QUT

Furthering your nursing study is good for enhancing your career and making a positive impact on the lives of patients and the community.

Use this guide to explore your options

5. Open doors Healthcare demands are on the rise, making it a prime time to boost your nursing career with a postgrad degree.

Check out CareerswithSTEM.com for more insights, information, inspiration and advice about nursing careers!

3

COURSE GUIDE: NURSING

DEEP DIVE

Charting your nursing career at QUT

QUT’s Faculty of Health offers the full nursing study pathway, from undergraduate to PhD, in a flexible, supportive environment with strong industry partnerships

Bachelor of Nursing 3 years, full time

1 year, part time

This flexible qualification gives you the option to exit early from the Master of Nursing with enhanced specialist knowledge and leadership skills .

Find out more about QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing on P7

PIC CREDIT

Embark on your study journey with QUT’s Bachelor of Nursing degree, providing you with the essential knowledge and skills to become a qualified registered nurse (RN).

Graduate Certificate in Nursing

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

4

Turn to P11 to meet two QU

umni forging successful caTreal er Nurse Practitioners s as

Why QUT? Industry connections are strong You’ll also be taught by experts and guest lecturers who work in the field, and have many networking opportunities.

You’ll get real-world experience Books and theory are great, but QUT takes things to the next level by offering you practical learning opportunities. This includes solving real-life problems and seeing actual patients!

They’re all about world-class research

Master of Nurse Practitioner (2 years, part time)

Develop advanced knowledge and skills in your speciality with an expanded scope of practice through QUT’s flexible, online course offerings.

Find out more about becoming a nurse practitioner at QUT on P10

And you can soak up the benefits!

QUT is also a research institute with strong links to international researchers, and world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Staff know their stuff As well as being experts in the areas they teach, staff are across the latest teaching practices and provide support and mentoring to their students.

Master of Nursing 1.5 years, full time or 3 years, part time

Research pathways

Prepare for advanced practice nursing roles, educator roles, middle and senior leadership positions, and research opportunities in a supportive learning environment with strong industry connections.

Find out more about QUT’s Master of Nursing course on P8

Extend your expertise as a researcher with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at QUT.

5

STUDY fLEXIBLy Our courses are designed to make study work for you. You have the option to exit early with an embedded qualification or continue to pursue a masters.

COURSE GUIDE: NURSING

Q&A

Career chat We spoke to Professor Jane Phillips, Head of QUT’s School of Nursing, about the benefits of postgraduate study and the future of the profession

J

ane is a leading figure in nursing education and research in Australia, renowned for her expertise in palliative care. As head of QUT’s School of Nursing, Jane has years of nursing experience in clinical, academic and policy environments and is dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s nurses to provide evidence-based, person-centred and culturally-safe care. We asked her a few questions to help you forge the ideal study path for your nursing career.

QUT

remember that education is an asset you can take wherever you go, and it’s something you’ll never lose” Why should nurses consider postgraduate study?

Jane: While your undergraduate education gives you excellent foundational skills, postgraduate study is where you can develop specialised knowledge and capabilities. Our healthcare system needs well-educated and well-prepared nurse professionals who can drive reform strategically, drawing on strong leadership skills and deep knowledge.

What should a nurse think about when considering their postgraduate study path?

Jane: Follow your passion, firstly. But also remember that education is an asset you can take wherever you go, and it’s something you will never lose. Even if you go down one path and change your mind, it’s all part of lifelong learning and you’ll always be able to leverage off that knowledge and experience.

What do you see as some of the key trends shaping the future of nursing?

Jane: I think we’re going to see more nurse practitioners in our healthcare system – QUT has the largest cohort of nurse practitioners in Australia and many more are looking to enrol.

Nursing Diploma, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

Bachelor of Applied Science - Nursing, Curtin University

PhD, University of Western Sydney

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

As patients’ needs, treatments and care get more complex, everybody is going to have to really step up. It’s not about medical substitution, but it is about everyone having the capabilities to work to their full scope of practice. There are many practices in our healthcare system that nurses could – and will – fill.

Are postgraduate qualifications a way for nurses to future-proof their career?

Jane: Whenever nurses invest in their education they are future-proofing not only their own careers, but the future health of Australian society. We will all get better healthcare with a better educated health workforce.

Any final words of advice?

Jane: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who taught you in your undergraduate degree, to people you know through work, or even to people you find online. Academics are really helpful and want to ensure you have the best possible outcome. I know the academics I work with at QUT are doing that all the time, and I do this for many of my palliative care colleagues.

Post Graduate Diploma Health Promotion, Curtin University

Professor of Palliative Nursing, and Director IMPACCT, UTS

6

Palliative Care Practice, Harvard Medical School

Professor Nursing and Head of School of Nursing, QUT

IN FOCUS

Duration

Entry requirements

• Oone year, part time

•M ust be registered as a nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

• Intakes in February and July

What will you learn?

QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing is a comprehensive program that focuses on clinical leadership, practice improvement, service delivery and the socio-political aspects of contemporary nursing practice.

The course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your career.

Available majors include:

• ACUTE CARE NURSING • CANCER NURSING • EMERGENCY Nursing • Gastroenterology Nursing • HEALTH PROfessional • intensive care Nursing • Paediatric and Adolescent Nursing • primary health care You can also opt for a flexible program with no major and choose from a variety of electives, including: education, healthy ageing, research, dementia, aged care and management in health.

How will you learn?

The course is delivered in a flexible part-time mode, using online technologies that promote collaborative learning and a supportive community. As an external student, you will have access to a comprehensive package of electronic resources to support your learning journey.

IN FOCUS: GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN NURSING

Career potential Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing, you will be equipped with the skills to take on emerging leader roles in:

Looking to enhance your nursing career in just one year, part time?

QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing is designed for professionals seeking specialist knowledge and leadership skills. It can also be used to kickstart a Master of Nursing degree if you want to take your career even further

7

Further study QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing articulates into the Master of Nursing and Master of Nurse Practitioner course. Read on to learn more about QUT’s Master of Nursing degree.

QUT

• a clinical speciality area • Education • Management

COURSE GUIDE: NURSING

IN FOCUS

Duration

Entry requirements

Get qualified early!

•O ne and a half years, full time or three years, part time

•R egistered as a nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

• Intakes in February and July

•R egistered bachelor’s degree in nursing (or higher)

QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing articulates into the Master of Nursing, providing an early exit option and study pathway for grad cert students

IN FOCUS: MASTER OF NURSING QUT’s Master of Nursing will prepare you for advanced practice nursing roles, senior leadership positions and research opportunities. Learn from expert nurse clinicians in a supportive, flexible environment What will you learn?

Choose your stream

QUT’s Master of Nursing is a comprehensive postgraduate degree that covers the following majors:

Students can choose between the coursework or dissertation streams. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse unit manager, clinical nurse consultant, director of nursing or clinical nurse educator, the coursework stream is for you. If you’d like to pursue a career as a nurse researcher, nurse academic, or aim to progress onto a PhD, the dissertation stream is the recommended pathway.

• Acute Care Nursing • Cancer Nursing • Emergency Nursing • Gastroenterology Nursing • Health Professional Education • Intensive Care Nursing • Paediatric and Adolescent Nursing • Primary Health Care You can also choose a flexible program with no major and select from a variety of electives, including: science of pharmacology, health statistics, dementia and quality management in health.

How will you learn?

Whether you prefer to study full time or part time, online or on campus, QUT’s Master of Nursing offers you the flexibility to align your studies with your other personal and professional commitments.

As an external student, you’ll benefit from an extensive learning package of electronic resources that will support you in your studies.

Why choose this course?

QUT’s Master of Nursing is designed to meet the needs of healthcare organisations for graduates who demonstrate nursing leadership and advanced practice skills.

Graduates will have the ability to demonstrate leadership, autonomy, expert judgement and adaptability to improve healthcare outcomes and service delivery models.

Career opportunities Graduates of the QUT Master of Nursing will be prepared for nursing leadership positions including:

• Advanced practice nursing roles • Middle and senior nursing management roles • Nurse educator roles • Research nurse roles

Further study

QUT

QUT’s Master of Nursing has the potential to articulate into the Master of Nurse Practitioner degree or further research, including a PhD.

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

8

CAREER CASE STUDIES

Mastering Your Craft

Bachelor of Nursing, QUT

Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Intensive Care), QUT

K

aila’s career in nursing began when she met with a registered nurse at an Australian Defence Force careers expo. The nurse spoke of the numerous opportunities and specialties that the career offered, inspiring Kaila to enrol in a Bachelor of Nursing program at QUT. After completing her undergraduate degree, Kaila started as a graduate registered nurse in a nursing home. She soon moved to a graduate position within the Orthopaedic Trauma Unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital before being seconded to the then newly-opened Elective Surgery High Dependency Unit, where she discovered her passion for intensive care.

“The high acuity patients and calibre of nursing staff motivated me to do more with my career,” Kaila says. “I could see that a postgraduate qualification was important in giving me flexibility within my nursing role, especially within ICU (Intensive Care Unit).”

Kaila completed her Graduate Certificate in Nursing at QUT while working clinically within ICU. The mentorship provided within her unit and during her clinical practice assessment gave her the confidence to work alongside her peers in caring for some of the most critically ill patients in the state. Kaila’s postgraduate qualification also allowed her to take on leadership roles within her unit, such as clinical coordinator, where she provided clinical support and guidance to other multidisciplinary staff at the bedside.

I could see that a postgraduate qualification was important in giving me flexibility within my nursing role”

PIC CREDIT

Master of Nursing, QUT

Kaila Porter is a passionate intensive care nurse with a special interest in the power of simulation education to improve patient outcomes

Leadership opportunities Using her postgraduate education, Kaila applied for and gained a clinical nurse position within ICU, which opened up further leadership opportunities, including shift coordinator and Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) nurse. As a MERT nurse, Kaila was part of a team that provided support to clinical staff during deteriorating patient situations in a ward setting.

Currently, Kaila is completing her dissertation on high-fidelity simulation as part of a Master of Nursing at QUT. “After completing my dissertation, I’d like to work within education and further simulation research at a graduate level for staff working in critical care,” Kaila says. “I’d also like to further investigate how virtual and augmented reality technology can help us advance simulation education to provide more life-like scenarios in a low-risk environment for clinical staff.”

For those considering postgraduate studies, Kaila advises talking to someone working within your desired speciality about the study and work experience required.

9

COURSE GUIDE: NURSING

IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS: MASTER OF NURSE PRACTITIONER Become a qualified Nurse Practitioner at QUT. In this course, you’ll learn from experienced, practicing Nurse Practitioners in a supportive and flexible online setting as you expand your scope of practice and gain advanced knowledge in your speciality Duration • Two years, part time, external only

Entry requirements • Relevant postgraduate qualification •C urrent nurse registration (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), without conditions To meet clinical practice entry requirements, you must: •B e currently working in an advanced nursing practice role •H ave a minimum of four years, full-time (or equivalent) clinical practice experience as a registered nurse in the nominated speciality •H ave a minimum of two years, full-time (or equivalent) experience (within the last six years) in an advanced nursing practice role in the nominated speciality •H ave the support of your executive director of nursing (or equivalent) For a definition of ‘advanced nursing practice’, refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s ‘Fact sheet: advanced nursing practice and speciality areas within nursing’.

QUT

100% Online All course components, including orientation, are online

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

What will you learn?

Career opportunities

The Master of Nurse Practitioner program covers eight essential units, diving into primary health care, Indigenous health, leadership, health assessment, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, quality use of medicines and research. You’ll graduate ready to independently assess, diagnose and manage clients in your speciality area.

After completing the program, you can pursue a rewarding career as a nurse practitioner in your chosen speciality.

How will you learn?

Application and course requirements

This part-time program offers flexibility through online delivery of all units, including orientation. You’ll get access to electronic resources, webinars, Zoom sessions and direct support from QUT’s experienced unit coordinators.

Accreditation and endorsement This course is accredited with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Graduates can apply to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for NMBA endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner.

Why choose this course?

If you’re eager to provide advanced care in a specialised field, this course is for you.

Develop leadership, communication, and deep clinical knowledge while enjoying mentorship and support from experienced Nurse Practitioners.

10

Further study Once you’ve completed the program, consider enrolling in a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) for further development.

Places are limited, so apply early to secure your spot. The final application date for February intake is 31 January but the course may close earlier if places fill up.

Applications for the following mid-year intake open on 1 July. Before enrolling, ensure you meet all entry requirements and have support from your Executive Director of Nursing (or equivalent).

CAREER CASE STUDIES

Health heroes Meet two QUT Master of Nurse Practitioner graduates who are using their postgraduate qualifications to make a difference in the lives of patients

#1 Community crusader B lessing’s nursing career began with an undergraduate degree in Zimbabwe. It was after moving to Australia and working in aged care here that she realised what nurses had the potential to do with a greater scope of practice.

This inspired her to pursue postgraduate studies at QUT, where Blessing obtained a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Health and Ageing) and a Master of Nurse Practitioner.

Blessing says she cannot overstate what a big impact her postgraduate nursing studies had on her career. “Where do I begin? The doors started opening and kept opening.”

Blessing’s studies have been particularly instrumental in allowing her to pursue a passion

Blessing Makoni

for developing and implementing new models of care, which she has done at Gold Coast University Hospital, Ipswich Hospital and Ipswich Hospice.

Her skills and qualifications also enabled her to start Ipswich Nurses, in 2021, to provide palliative care to people living with disabilities in the community. “We have broken down barriers and are continuing to do so to ensure this vulnerable group has access to the best palliative care,” she explains.

For nurses considering postgraduate studies, Blessing’s advice is to find their passion and a good mentor with experience in that area. “We all have that one person who we dedicate our career success to,” she says.

Director, Ipswich Nurses Registered nurse Mutare School of Nursing Zimbabwe Nurse Practitioner Southern Cross Care Qld

Graduate certificate in Nursing (Health and Ageing) QUT

Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care (Flinders University)

Nurse Practitioner, Qld Health (Metro South Health Gold Coast University Hospital, Ipswich Hospital)

Master of Nurse Practitioner, QUT Director/Nurse Practitioner Ipswich Nurses

SUPPLIED / SHUTTERSTOCK

#2 Nursing with heart L uke chose nursing because he wanted to care for patients and support families during some of their most challenging moments, as well as for the clinical opportunities he knew the career would give him.

After completing his undergraduate degree in Melbourne, Luke worked in a neurosurgical ward in his native Tasmania before discovering his passion for cardiology in a cardiac cath lab. For the past two years, he’s been working as a chronic cardiac care nurse practitioner candidate, a role that requires a Master of Nurse Practitioner qualification.

Luke says he chose to do his Nurse Practitioner training through QUT because of its reputation for giving students a detailed and practical education under the guidance of experienced Nurse Practitioners. The program’s flexible learning arrangement also allowed him

to manage his studies alongside his professional commitments and a busy home life with three children under the age of five.

With QUT’s Master of Nurse Practitioner under his belt, Luke was able to transition into a nurse practitioner role with the Tasmanian Health Service. “It has given me more autonomy and helped me facilitate improved patient access to cardiac care,” he says. For example, Luke can undertake advanced cardiac assessments, collaborate with cardiologists to arrange diagnostic testing and implement treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes.

Looking to the future, Luke’s goal is to expand access to cardiac care for Tasmanians, particularly those in rural areas or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Thanks to his studies, Luke is well on his way to making a difference in the lives of even more people.

Bachelor of Nursing, University of Tasmania Chronic Cardiac Care NP Candidate, Tasmanian Health Service

Luke Dare Chronic cardiac care nurse

Master of Clinical Nursing (neuroscience), University of Tasmania Master of Nurse Practitioner Studies, QUT

11

Nurse Practitioner, Tasmanian Health Service

COURSE GUIDE: NURSING

QUIZ

Discover your nursing niche

Use this quiz to reflect on your passio goals, but re ns, skills and mem counsellor ca ber — a career personalised n prov ide more guidance. The are also mor e specia lisati re ons than these, or yo choose a cust u could om mix of cours ised es.

What’s your ideal specialisation? Take our quiz to find out!

1. When faced with a critically ill patient, what is your biggest strength?

4. What kind of patients do you enjoy working with the most?

A. Remaining calm and focused on providing immediate care.

B. Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to develop a care plan.

C. Assessing the situation and prioritising the patient’s needs.

D. Communicating effectively with the patient and their family to address their concerns and needs.

E. Seeking out additional resources to provide the best possible care.

A. Those who require complex and critical care.

B. Those who are managing chronic conditions and require ongoing support.

C. Those who are in urgent need of care in an emergency setting.

D. Children, and their families, who require specialised care.

E. Those with cancer or a serious illness who might require palliative and other supportive care.

2. What is your preferred work environment?

A. Fast-paced and dynamic, where critical thinking and problem solving is key.

B. Collaborative and supportive, where teamwork is essential.

C. Structured and organised, with clear protocols in place.

D. Compassionate and empathetic, where patient-centred care is prioritised.

E. Innovative and flexible, where creative thinking and adaptability are encouraged.

3. What do you see as the most important aspect of nursing care?

5. What is your approach to continuing education and professional development?

A. Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and research.

B. Building strong relationships with colleagues and peers.

C. Participating in ongoing training and skill-building opportunities.

D. Focusing on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.

E. Advocating for and promoting the nursing profession through leadership roles and involvement in professional organisations.

Mostly As

Intensive care nursing You are a quick thinker and remain calm in high-pressure situations. You prioritise the immediate needs of critically ill patients and work well in fast-paced environments.

Mostly Bs

Primary health care You are compassionate and empathetic, and prioritise patient-centred care. You enjoy working with patients, managing ongoing health conditions and providing support and management of their conditions.

Mostly Cs

Emergency nursing You are able to assess situations quickly and prioritise patient needs. You are comfortable in a fast-paced environment and thrive on being able to provide life-saving interventions.

A. Holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient.

B. Promoting and managing patient health and wellbeing through education and prevention.

C. Providing evidence-based interventions.

D. Advocating for patients and their families, and providing emotional support and comfort.

E. Empowering patients to make informed decisions and take an active role in their care.

Mostly Ds

Paediatric nursing You are dedicated to helping children and their families and have a passion for providing specialised care. You are patient and nurturing, and enjoy creating a supportive environment for young patients.

Mostly Es

Ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Visit bit.ly/qut-nursing or scan the QR code for more information

You have a passion for supporting patients with a cancer diagnosis and a desire to empower them to take control of their health. You focus on relieving pain and suffering, and use evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.

Careers with STEM is a publication and trademark of Refraction Media.

Subscribe and order copies: CareerswithSTEM.com/subscribe

Copyright © 2023 Refraction Media, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission. If you would like to reproduce anything from this magazine, or inquire about advertising, please email: info@refractionmedia.com.au.

Refraction Media acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

This edition was published on 15 May 2023.

SHUTTERSTOCK

Cancer nursing