Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

The Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) is designed to prepare expert nurses for the autonomous role of the nurse practitioner in an area of speciality nursing practice. If you are already highly skilled then you may aspire to becoming a nurse practitioner. In this program, you will further develop your skills in health assessment and differential diagnosis within a holistic nursing model of care. You will undertake studies in pharmaco-therapeutics, research, contemporary nursing issues and leadership which will support you in your extended role. These studies will provide you with the confidence to work collaboratively as a valuable member of the healthcare team and to know that you are really making a vital contribution to your client’s health outcome.

This program requires the successful completion of 120 units of study. The program is intended for registered nurses who wish to apply for endorsement by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to work as a nurse practitioner, or who may wish to present the qualification to authorities in other states or countries. The program includes a minimum of 658 hours of embedded clinical practice in nursing, under the guidance of approved academic and clinical supervisors (approved by the Program Convenor). This clinical practice is undertaken in the student’s normal place of work. It is expected that the student’s employment is accredited with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) or similar.

Why study with us?

The main focus of the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) is on advanced clinical practice at nurse practitioner level. The intention is to produce graduates who will be able to work effectively as nurse practitioners in any health care location.

The program is offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery in partnership with the three other contributing Schools within the Faculty of Health and Medicine - Medicine and Public Health, Health Sciences and Biomedical Sciences. This has allowed collaboration in the planning of the program and ensures that students have access to excellent resource materials and staff in the key areas of pathology, medical imaging, pharmacology and clinical nursing. Teaching is shared between academic staff from various disciplines within the Faculty and conjoint academic staff who are expert clinicians in their specialty area of practice.

The combination of on-line learning, embedded clinical practice and face-to-face workshops offers flexibility and accessibility enabling students from rural and remote areas to access this program.

Career Opportunities

The program is designed for expert Registered Nurses who aspire to Nurse Practitioner practice. You will further develop and refine your knowledge and clinical skills in comprehensive health assessment and diagnosis. At the completion of this program you will be able to demonstrate that you meet the Competency Standards for Nurse Practitioners as defined by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia.

These attributes would be required for autonomous practice as a nurse practitioner but would also be useful in senior clinical nursing roles, nursing research and/or nursing education.

The University of Newcastle has developed the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) to integrate valuable theoretical knowledge and extensive hands-on experience, providing you with the best educational grounding to advance your career as a nurse practitioner.

The program includes 600 hours of embedded clinical practice in your chosen specialty area, usually at your current place of employment (where feasible). With the help from professional mentors, you will be provided ongoing support and supervision throughout your studies.

The structure includes the study of eight core courses designed to develop and hone your clinical skills in the areas of biophysical processes and health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics and prescribing for advanced nursing practice and qualitative methods in health research, as well as your leadership and management in practice skills.

Additionally you will have a choice of multiple speciality areas to select three elective courses to compliment your chosen area of focus. Some of the options include stroke rehabilitation, infection control, palliative care and acute and chronic illness in children.

Current registration as a nurse in AustraliaCompleted Bachelor of Nursing degree (or equivalent)Evidence of 5 years full time (or equivalent part time) experience as a registered nurse, minimum of 3 years full time (or equivalent part time) of speciality nursing experience, and minimum 1 year full time (or equivalent part time) experience at an advanced practice level in a specialist area of nursing as recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au.Nomination of two clinical supervisors to be approved by the Program Convenor: i. a nurse practitioner in the relevant speciality as the primary support team member and if not available a medical practitioner in that speciality ii. a senior nurse clinician or director, nurse educator, nurse specialist in the specific specialityConfirmed workplace support to complete all professional experience requirements of the course, including a minimum of 658 hours of embedded clinical practice in a specialist area of nursing. A template letter of support from your Director of Nursing and Head of Department is attached. Please note your employer is also required to provide corroborating evidence of how all professional experience requirements including role development support will be met. English language skills commensurate with requirements of registration as a nurse (IELTS).Active member of a professional nursing organisation(s) (e.g. Royal College of Nursing Australia, College of Emergency Nursing, College of Mental Health Nurses) and/or the applicant’s speciality nursing organisationDemonstrated contribution to the ongoing development of the profession.Access to a computer with high speed broadband or wireless access to the internet for a minimum of 20 hours per week. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5

Accreditation

Graduates from the program are eligible to apply for professional recognition with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.