27 February 2023

TAFE NSW is helping future-proof the region’s health needs by upskilling an army of nurses for the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

With work already underway on the state-of-the-art new hospital in Moruya, TAFE NSW Batemans Bay is the only training provider in the region offering a Diploma of Nursing, which qualifies graduates as enrolled nurses. The course is now being offered fee-free to all eligible students.

It comes as modelling shows a projected shortfall of about 85,000 nurses nationwide by 2025.

Surfside mum-of-two Niomi Borg, 34, is one of many locals choosing the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW to give her the practical skills and experience to change careers.

“I’ve been working in aged care since I left year 10 but I’ve always dreamt of working as a nurse in a hospital,” Ms Borg said.

“I never thought I’d be able to complete a diploma but my TAFE NSW teachers are so incredibly supportive and experienced, I’ve only got a few months left until graduating.

“It’s so good to have a simulated hospital ward as a classroom and the work placement has been so helpful.”

Ms Borg said she hoped to secure a job as an enrolled nurse at the new hospital upon graduating.

TAFE NSW Batemans Bay nursing teacher Janie Fitz said enrolments were still open for the 2023 Diploma of Nursing intake.

“There are so many different pathways you can take with the diploma – public acute, private, community, GP clinic and more,” Ms Fitz said.

“Virtually every nursing graduate secures a job and it’s extremely rewarding and flexible work.”

Ms Fitz said the TAFE NSW Batemans Bay clinical training rooms were fitted with the latest nursing equipment.

Students are also required to complete 400 hours work placement as part of the diploma.

The $5.4 million TAFE NSW Batemans Bay Connected Learning Centre (CLC) opened in July 2022 and offers a wide range of courses from Statements of Attainment through to Advanced Diploma.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mobile 0477 722 428