November 21, 2014

Advancing nursing and midwifery training in rural centres

A new initiative to advance the nursing and midwifery undergraduate support in rural NSW was opened in Cooma today (21 November). 

The Cooma Rural Nursing and Midwifery Clinical School is a partnership between the Southern NSW Local Health District, Charles Sturt University and UOW. The pilot program will see these institutions work collaboratively with other organisations to advance the practice of nursing through clinical teaching projects, education and clinical research. 

The school is the first of it’s kind in NSW, and Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UOW, Associate Professor Angela Brown, believes it will provide an excellent opportunity for our nursing  students. 

“The School will deliver face-to-face mentoring for staff and students, with access to information and learning materials and opportunities for research relating to patient outcomes,” she said. 

Visiting academics from both universities, as well as onsite nurses will work with clinical staff and students at the School, and will provide unique research opportunities into areas of extreme importance in rural health care. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for UOW, not only to strengthen ties with other educational institutions and the Southern NSW Local Health District, but to also contribute to the advancement of future health care in rural NSW,” Professor Brown said. 

Minister for Small Business and Regional Tourism John Barilaro, who is also Member for Monaro, officially opened the Clinical School, which will be located within the Cooma Hospital