GD159 - Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health Nursing

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Plan: GD159 - Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health Nursing
Campus: Bundoora Campus

Overview

Program details
Purpose of the Program
Articulation and pathways
Entrance requirements
External accreditation and industry links
Student expenses and charges in addition to fees
Library, IT and specialist resources

Program details

Award title: Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health Nursing
Award abbreviation: GradDipChild&FamHNurs
Total credit points: 96
Career: PGRD
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location: Bundoora Campus
Owning school: Health and Biomedical Sciences (173H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/health-and-biomedical-sciences
ASCED code: 060315
CRICOS code:

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Purpose of the Program

The Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health prepares nurses for practice as a Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

The purpose of the program is derived from the Competency Standards for the Maternal and Child Health Nurse in Victoria (2010) as follows:

  • Comply with the legistlation and common law applicable to maternal and child health nursing practice
  • Be responsible and accountable for [their] own practice within maternal and child health nursing
  • Maintain the rights of individuals
  • Support and enhance maternal and child health nursing practice
  • Monitor the health growth and development of children from birth to school age to optimise health outcomes.
  • Promote, protect and support breast feeding
  • Promote appropriate nutrition
  • Promote maternal health and wellbeing
  • Promote the role of the family in the health and development of the child.
  • Undertake all interactions using and promoting effective communication skills
  • Provide knowledge and implement primary health care principles
  • Provide health promotion and health education
  • Act to enhance the professional development of self and others

The program is predominantly delivered on campus. However, you will experience blended learning and teaching activities that include face to face lectures and tutorial sessions and some online learning.

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    Articulation and pathways

    Upon successful completion of this program you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including the Master by Research (Nursing) (MR225) subject to each program’s entry requirements.

    If you require further details on these programs refer to the RMIT University Handbook [http://www.rmit.edu.au/handbook].

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    Entrance requirements

    Applicants must have:

    - a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent;

    - a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery, Bachelor of Midwifery or equivalent;

    - current AHPRA registration as both a Nurse (Division 1, General) and Midwife (General);

    - completed one of the following clinical experience pathways:

    • Pathway 1: completed a minimum of 1 year (full-time equivalent) post-registration clinical experience as a registered nurse and 1 year (full-time equivalent) post-registration clinical experience as a registered midwife (2 years total);
    • Pathway 2: completed a minimum of 1 year (full-time equivalent) post-registration clinical experience as a registered nurse and a Graduate Year Program in Midwifery; or
    • Pathway 3: completed a minimum of 5 years (full-time equivalent) post-registration clinical experience as a registered nurse or a minimum of 5 years (full-time equivalent) post-registration clinical experience as a registered midwife.

    and

    - demonstrated recent clinical experience, defined as a minimum of 1 year (full-time equivalent) employment within the last 5 years as a registered nurse OR a registered midwife.

    SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

    Students must provide evidence of a successful Police Records Check, Working with Children Check and details of current immunisation status.

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    External accreditation and industry links

    The professional title Nurse is protected under State and Commonwealth legislation and only graduates of accredited programs can apply for Registration and subsequently use the title 'Nurse'. To practice as a Registered Nurse in Australia, you need to complete an undergraduate degree such as RMITs BP032, Bachelor of Nursing, which is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as an Entry to Practice program.

    The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia no longer accredits specialist post-graduate Nursing certificates or diplomas such as the GD159 Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health Nursing since these are post  'Entry to Practice" programs.

    The Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health Nursing program works closely with governmental health agency partners and has strong links with industry. Successful graduates may also be eligible to join the Victorian Association of Maternal and Child Health Nurses.  

    This program has formal links through the Nursing Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) as well as to the broader organisation and industry links eg: the School's broader industry engagement strategy.

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    Student expenses and charges in addition to fees

    Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees.  Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.

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    Library, IT and specialist resources

    Library resources and services

    As a student enrolled in a program at RMIT University you can access the extensive services, facilities and study space provided by the Library. You can access books, journals and other course related materials, such as DVDs, past exams, newspapers and e-books. Through our document delivery service you can also request items from any library in the world.

    Computers for study are available at every Library site, where you can access the Internet, myRMIT (www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit) or Library e-resources. If you have a laptop you can access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.

    Library staff can show you how to find information for your assignments or you can work through web-based tutorials or use our online Ask a Librarian service.

    The Library is continually expanding our electronic collections to make it easier for you to get the information you need when you need it. All RMIT University students have unlimited access to quality electronic resources such as, e-books, e-journals and newspapers.

    You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library.

    The library has been purchasing the texts and required resources for the courses in this program.  The Library has an excellent range of electronic resources to support the program, and most of these resources are accessible via the library website allowing access by all students whatever their location.  A range of textbooks and references are available for you to borrow.  In addition, many academics have their notes printed for distribution to off-shore students.  These notes are also available from the RMIT Bookshop at a very affordable cost for local students.

    Online learning tools and content

    You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT: www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit.

    You will be able to access course information and learning materials through myRMIT  and the RMIT Library, and will be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email.  Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided

    The school also has many laboratories, many with specialised equipment in the area of machines, high voltage and power protection, to support the relevant teaching and learning activities, and most of these labs have been upgraded in recent years, to ensure that you have access to modern computers and equipment that you are likely to use in industry.

    Services available to you as a student at RMIT University

    RMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.

    Services are available face to face and online assisting with:

    • transition to tertiary study and learning
    • study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
    • enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
    • career development and employment
    • living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
    • opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
    • opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance

    We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

    You can find more information at: www.rmit.edu.au/students.

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