Bendigo TAFE’s exciting new Health and Community Centre of Excellence has been purpose built to meet the needs of the growing local health industry.
With an ageing population and an increase in the prevalence of chronic disease, nursing is amongst the largest and fastest growing industry in regional Victoria.
In order to meet the growing demand the centre is training its Diploma of nursing students with the latest simulation labs and technologies giving them the job ready skills they need to exceed.
The cutting-edge training provided includes a variety of new technologies including simulation mannequins, which mimic various human characteristics including heart rhythm, pulse and blood pressure.
These mannequins also allow educators to set up a range of scenarios that simulate assessment of patients with chronic disease, from basic patient handling to advanced nursing including the auscultation and recognition of normal and abnormal heart, lung and bowel symptoms.
Bendigo TAFE’s CEO Trevor Schwenke says the practical teaching and learning delivered within the centre provide students with the necessary background knowledge to give students confidence in their abilities to enter the workplace.
‘We will seek to address the massive increase in the number and skill levels of health and community services workers that will be required to meet the impact of the growing ageing population and increase in prevalence of chronic disease within the community,’ Mr Schwenke says.The key benefit of learning in a practical setting like a simulation lab means employers can be confident that students have the required skills and knowledge to perform their duties safely and efficiently.
There are many career paths available for Bendigo TAFE nursing students with opportunities to learn more complex skills and work in specialised areas. Students are also able to continue on to the bachelor of nursing at La Trobe University.
By working with industry and tailoring it’s learning to meet growing local demand, the Bendigo TAFE Health and Community Centre of Excellence is ensuring that its nursing graduates are highly skilled, employable healthcare professionals.