Western Sydney University students on a pathway to careers

The following piece was first published by the Lithgow Mercury.

Happy with their new opportunities: Western Sydney Univerity Lithgow nursing students Jenna Fitzgerald and Marguerite Robson.

Students from Western Sydney University The College Lithgow campus students recently enjoyed some first hand experience when first year Bachelor of Nursing students completed practical studies at Lithgow Hospital and Lithgow Aged Care Ltd.

'Prac' is a great opportunity to put learning into practice and gain valuable on the-job insight.

This is especially true of a career in nursing and the students were well received at both facilities.

Teacher Christine Haley said it was great to see the positive response the Western Sydney University students receive from local health care providers.

Representatives from both organisations were pleased with the professionalism of the students and their enthusiasm for the nursing profession.

"Lithgow Aged Care Limited is extremely delighted to be able to provide work experience for the nursing students from the Western Sydney University," Lithgow Aged Care Ltd's Sharon Holt said.

"We have had an amazing amount of positive feedback from everyone involved, including our residents.

"We believe that offering this service is a win-win for our community and the Aged Care Sector.

Lithgow Hospital's Director of Nursing and Midwifery Frank Puglisi shared Ms Holt's enthusiasm for the program.

"Lithgow Hospital were very excited to participate in hosting the first group of first year nursing students doing their undergraduate nursing degree through UWS," Mr Puglisi said.

"The program is a great boost to locals wanting to pursue a career in nursing, especially students with strong ties to their home town.

"It is a great opportunity for Lithgow — both younger school leavers and more mature students — to consolidate their skills locally before heading off to a much larger campus.

"We hope that on completion of their degrees that the 'local' students will want to return to their home base and apply to undertake their Transition to Practice Year at Lithgow Hospital and hopefully join the local team of dedicated health professionals," he said.

Ends

3 November 2015