It’s pretty much expected that when it comes to most things SIT does, you can expect the words “innovation” and “best” to be foremost in your mind.
That’s exactly how it is at its nursing school, which operates from SIT’s main Invercargill campus and offers a certificate in pre-entry to the Bachelor of Nursing, a level 5 Diploma in Enrolled Nursing and the three-year Bachelor of Nursing which allows graduates to become registered nurses.
Sally Dobbs is academic and relationship leader within the Faculty of Health, Humanities and Computing and says SIT students have access to one of the best high-tech simulation suites in the country.
“It allows them to practise their clinical skills on mannequins that replicate real life scenarios – they even talk.”
But long before students get to enjoy the opportunity to use the mannequins for the likes of listening to body sounds or treating bleeds, they first have to demonstrate they have what it takes for a career in nursing.
“Much to the disappointment of some, it’s not Shortland St,” Sally says.
Rather, nursing studies all have a very strong emphasis on science and, without a demonstrated science background, applicants have virtually no chance of being accepted into the school. “Even with sciences under your belt, there’s still only a one in two chance of getting onto the Bachelor programme.”
To choose candidates SIT is now interviewing applicants in a bid to screen them for other important qualities. “To be a nurse you have to have patience, integrity, intelligence, optimism, compassion, great communication skills and cultural awareness.
“You also need to be a critical thinker and physically and emotionally fit,” she says.
Once accepted, the career choices – especially for registered nurses - are as varied as they are exciting.
Hospital jobs are only one area – there are roles within occupational health, the military, nutrition, primary health promotion, rest homes and prisons for example.
Supported by the Southern District Health Board, SIT nursing students enjoy a great balance of theory and practical training.
“Above all – throughout their study – they can expect to focus on four critical aspects of nursing: social; professional; science and clinical.”