Hi Yael,

I live in Melb and have done my entire degree from here with UniSA. Like monstermunch said, the Uni is overhauling the program for next year (don't freak, they do it every three years). I've only taken a very brief look at the changes (since I'm finished this year) and from what I can tell, the main changes are when you do rotations/placements and their duration. Previously you had one in 1st yr, 2 in 2nd, and 2 in 3rd. I believe that you now don't do any placements until 2nd year and it has increased from 3 weeks to 4 weeks. The next set of placements will be in 3rd year and there are two - one in each semester and are both 8 weeks long.
A lot of subjects have changes in title so I can't tell you the work load. However, as a rule of thumb, the more units - the more work involved If you use the link monstermunch provided, you can actually click on the subjects and have a preview of what is involved. Of course there is the "recommended" work load and then the actual work load. Just depends on how you work. Some subjects are easier than others and some are just plain boring! In regards to gaining credits for your science subjects - unfortunatly you would have to apply to the school to request the credit - which you can't so until you get in. It would depend on the content of the subject you have completed and the content/aims of the subject you apply for credit for. In regards to splitting your subjects, you can pretty much pick your pattern and do a combination of 1st, 2nd and 3rd yr subjects providing that you meet any pre-requities and don't overload on the units. If you take a look at that link you can see the full time load and how many subjects are involved (and their units because that plays a massive role in the work load). Pick which ones you think you can manage for the semester and enrol in that. Once you have been enrolled at the school you can usually see exactly how much is involved (i.e. assignments etc) before enrolling in the course. If they change that you can always enrol in the subject and get the course materials sent to you (which they do for externals) or check it out online and then work out if you can manage it all. If you decide you can't do a particular subject you can drop it in the first few weeks (I forget how many) and you don't get slugged the HECS fee for it. Does that make any sense? The school is always good to talk to about what work load you should do. I've done that from time to time. Oh - and I have done pretty much all of my subjects out of order.

how accomodating is the Uni? Well, that depends on your perception. Some lecturers are better than others but you get that anywhere. I've never had any problems getting help/extensions etc. The university has a policy where you can apply for a extension of 7 days (providing it is 24hrs prior to the due date) and you will automatically get it no questions asked. Anything longer than 7 days or at the last minute has to meet certain criteria and be supported with documentation. You can also defer exams if you meet certain criteria. I have a friend who had exams deferred because she was having IVF. When Dad has his heart attack, they deferred my exams as well and I think that was about a week before I was suppose to sit the exam. You can take up to a year off at a time if you have more babies but you need to know that you have to complete certain subjects (they used to be called nursing context subjects but I'm not sure what they're called now) that you have to do within 3 years of completing the first one.

Placements are full time for the duration of owever many weeks you go for. When you find out where you are going try and contact the venue and let them know your preferred hours. Sometimes you have to wait until you actually start your placement to do that. You can't just chose your hours unfortunatly although most places are pretty accomodating if you explain why you need those shifts. I always have special requests due to CFA commitments and never have problems getting my requests. You do have to do a combination of early and late shifts over your placement with some facilitators being stricter than others. You don't do night shift until your last placement and even then it's pretty rare. I've never done a night shift and I don't know anyone who has on rotation. You won't do weekends until 3rd year. You can do all your placements here in Melbourne however my advice on that is to contact your preferred venue as early as possible (as soon as you get the dates for placement) and if they say yes, start hassling the school straight away to finalise the placement details for you. I know so many students who have missed out for that reason. Do be prepared to do your placement "out of sequence" which isn't always bad. Keep in mind that there are a lot of students here in Vic trying to get placements as well so for us to get them we have to get in early. I can recomend a couple of good venues if you need help.

On campus requirements are pretty simple really. If you have a placement you go back a couple of weeks before the placement (the "scheduled" time) and have a workshop. During this time you learn and practice your practical skills and also get some "hints" about exams. You also get to network with other students and meet the teachers. Whenever I'm there I go to a particular book store and buy all the little bits and pieces I want. I have some great wall "maps" which have helped. And I have my own sphyigmo and stethescope I've bought on campus. However, if you want cheaper texts and equipment, don't buy them from the Uni. There is another place in SA which is cheaper and gives more of a discount. They also charge no postage if you spend a certain amount. You can NOT get out of the workshops - they are a compulsory part of the course to pass. They are done on weekdays. You enrol into the workshop at the same time as enrolling in the class so you can check the dates well in advance. Most students at the external ones are from interstate. Actually - most are from Vic when I go! I always fly over and stay in the city. The cheapest place to stay is the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) but it is pretty crap. Everyone complains about it. There are other places you an stay that aren't too expensive. The Uni is in the city so you have heaps of choices. Cab fare from the airport is about $30 from memory. Workshops vary in length. When I started my first one was a week (but it was two subjects) and all others have been two days.

Exams - you can do them in Melb. You just need to fill in a form to let the school know what your plans are and who is invigilating (supervising). Invigilator's have to meet certain criteria. Most public libraries let you do it there and the librarian supervisers. There are places in the city you can go to but they charge a fee. I've never paid for mine. One of the docs normally does it for me and I've used my local library twice. The exam is sent to your invigilator about a week before the exam and you sit it at the Adelaide time. You then give it to the invigilator and they send it registered post back to the school. Theoretically they should sit in the room with you but I don't know many who do.

You can do a combination degree of mid and general nursing. It used to be 4 years but I don't know if that has changed.

Yup - apply through SATAC.

Other bits - you have to do a Senior First Aid certificate with a CPR update every single year. You have to do a mandatory reporting course in final year which for me was included in my course requirements and workshop but I think students now have to organise that themselves. Some venues also request that you have a plice record no older than one year old. I have had to provide mine twice. I can't remember how much I paid for mine. You need a uniform. The ID badge is about $5.50. The shirts I think are about $40 for a polo. I have three polo's. You get your pants from anywhere so long as they are navy. I got mine in a Target sale. Shoes - invest in good nursing shoes - your feet will thank you. I can't recall where I got mine but go into any shoe store and ask what they have in terms of nursing shoes. Try them on and make sure they have really good grip - the last thing you want is to slip on a wet floor! My shoes cost me about $150 from memory. I've gone through two pairs in 3 years but wore one pair EVERYWHERE! Oh yeah - when you buy your uniform, if you chose the polo shirts over the blouse - don't buy white. I've heard students be told they had to buy white but that is a load of bull. I have navy. White shows EVERYTHING. Not a practical color for nursing!

I think that's about it. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. I'm more than happy to answer what I can. And when you start the degree, keep in touch with me and I'll help where I can (I've kept everything!).

MG