Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) initiated a Student Maternal and Child Health Nurse program, whereby nursing professionals are supported to study La Trobe’s Graduate Diploma in Child, Family and Health Nursing. Emma Golsworthy was the first student to go through the program in 2020 and says there’s nowhere else in the state offering a program like it.
MRCC are now taking applications for the position and more information can be found at: Student Maternal and Child Health Nurse
Emma says the main reason she chose to study was because she was really interested in community-based work.
"I’d heard on the grapevine that MRCC had been considering the idea, so when it came up - I applied and was successful. I was really attracted to the fact that I could work and study on the job. Nobody else in the state does a program like this! It’s a great concept to encourage and support people into the workforce.”
The program sees the Student Maternal and Child Health Nurse paid to work in the Enhanced Maternal Child and Health Service (EMCH).
“The Enhanced program is offered to select families as an extension of Universal Maternal Child Health program and offers flexible supports to families who benefit. I did most of my visits to family homes and was supervised by a qualified MCH Nurse to undertake key ages and stages visits. Then I undertook one placement day a week in a local center and Fridays I keep as study days to do my online modules, readings and essays.”
Emma says was pleasantly surprised at how much she enjoyed studying again.
“I really enjoy studying. I didn’t know if I would because it had been so long - in fact it had been 20 years since I studied Midwifery! But I really enjoyed learning again and I received really good support from the other nurses in the team.
“Everyone is so supportive at La Trobe. That’s why I wanted to go with La Trobe again as well. I studied Midwifery at La Trobe - so I feel part of the family now. I feel like I couldn’t even think of going to another University!”
The course at La Trobe University is offered online, which enables rural and remote students to study from home, supported by online library, teaching resources, email and ZOOM access to university academics
“I would definitely recommend any midwives out there who are considering doing it, do it. Council are very supportive, with assistance programs in place. I’m really excited to finish and look forward to consolidating my skills to help local families.
The position is now available for applications, please visit Mildura Rural City Council's website for more information.
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