Nursing Bridging Program - Wollongong Campus

A bridging program for Enrolled Nurses to gain entry into the Bachelor of Nursing degree (Wollongong Campus) has been developed between the University of Wollongong, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Indigenous Health, and NSW TAFE Shellharbour Campus. Students will be co-enrolled.

The aim of the course is to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to facilitate Level IV and Diploma level Enrolled Nurses entry into Year Two of the Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Wollongong. Specifically, the course aims to:

explore problem/critical thinking in relation to nursing practice;
explore intra and inter-relationships in the health care arena;
develop previous knowledge in psychology in relation to nursing;
develop previous knowledge in science that underpin nursing practice.

The nursing competencies that underpin the course are those outlined by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC). The Bridging Course will update the levels of knowledge, skills and attitudes of the Enrolled Nurse to the competencies of a student who has completed one year of the Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Wollongong. The students entering the Bridging Course have met the Legislative Enrolled Nurses ANMC Competencies.

Mapping occurred against the University of Wollongong Bachelor of Nursing curriculum and the New South Wales Technical and Further Education Commission (NSW TAFE) curriculum for Enrolled Nurses. As a result of the mapping exercise subjects were developed to cover the gaps in knowledge, skills and attitudes between an Enrolled Nurse with a Certificate IV or Diploma in Nursing (Enrolled Nurse) and an undergraduate student who has completed Year 1 in the Bachelor of Nursing Programme at the University of Wollongong.

Three Bridging courses are currently offered at the University of Wollongong: