2006 Media Releases
Thursday, 4 May 2006
La Trobe University launches new mental health nursing degree – a first for Victoria
La Trobe University tomorrow will launch an important new initiative – its new Bachelor of Nursing - Mental Health degree – to better prepare nurses to care for people with mental illness.
Professor Gerald Farrell, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, says one in every five Victorians each year experiences mental health issues and there is a significant shortage of nurses to work in this important area of practice.
The new course will be launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mr Daniel Andrews, and Professor Farrell at 1 pm, Friday 5 May 2006.
(Venue: Graduate School of Management, Potterage Road, La Trobe University main Melbourne campus at Bundoora - Melway Reference P9 (29th ed.) Map 573.)
The pilot three year undergraduate nursing degree with a major in mental health has been funded by the Department of Human Services Victoria. It reflects recommendations from the Victorian Taskforce on Nurses Preparation for Mental Health.
Professor Farrell says the course is the result of significant work that has been done by the mental health sector to increase the numbers of nurses working in mental health. It has attracted significant interest within Australia and overseas.
La Trobe University, he says, is working closely with health care providers and key stakeholders from the mental health sector to implement a program that is a first for Victoria.
The new course will be available from second semester this year. Graduates from the program will be registered nurses who can work in any area but will have enhanced skills and knowledge in mental health.
Current year one nursing students at La Trobe University are being given the opportunity to be involved in this pilot and interest has been very strong. Students will have the opportunity to work with experienced mental health nurses and will gain valuable experience in a range of health care settings.
The three year pilot will be evaluated to inform future developments and strategies to promote mental health as an exciting career path for nursing graduates.
For further information:
Further details: Susan McConnachie, Tel: (03) 5444 7422 or Email: s.mcconnachie@latrobe.edu.au