Introduction
Many nursing students struggle with graduate applications due to uncertainty about employer expectations and how to stand out in a competitive process (Beggs et al., 2022). Over 480 Bachelor of Nursing students will graduate from Charles Sturt in 2024. The graduate application process for nursing is becoming more complex, especially in regional and rural areas.
In 2023, the curriculum for career readiness among final-year nursing students underwent a review
leading to further enhancements in 2024. This reimagining and rethinking was founded on: closer collaboration between School of Nursing (SNPHS) and the Careers and Skills team; the integration of customised presentations tailored to meet the specific needs of regional students and regional industry collaboration between Charles Sturt and Western NSW Local Health District (WNSW LHD).
Aims
Elevating the work done in previous years the 2024 program aimed to introduce an expanded package of support measures addressing the needs of regional students throughout the job-seeking and graduate program process. The aim was to achieve this through collaboration and teaching, the measures assisted with resume development and interview preparation, while underscoring the importance of Continued Professional Development (CPD) and professionalism for career success.
Methods
Nursing and Careers collaborated to review the career readiness education in The Registered Nurse in Practice (NRS385), improving it through extensive consultation with regional industry partners. Two introductory online sessions were developed and presented which addressed Preparing a job application and preparing for interview | Continued Professional Development (CPD). Careers consulted with WNSW LHD GradStart representatives and were briefed on their interview applicant requirements. These insights were distributed to all final-year nursing students. Career support was expanded to include one-on-one student appointments, timed with the GradStart 2025 recruitment. The first phase focused on resume preparation and selection criteria, while the second provided targeted interview prep, both reinforced by WNSW LHD input.
Results
Improved tutorial attendance was linked to a stronger understanding of CPD, professionalism, and lifelong learning (Chang & Hatcher, 2024). More nursing students booked career appointments, receiving targeted assistance compared to last year. Students entered the NSW GradStart and other graduate programs better prepared and more confident. Stronger industry connections were established, resulting in a nursing event at the Dubbo campus. Increased awareness of Careers and Skills services was reflected in positive 2023 SES feedback and student emails for 2024; "Couldn't have done it without your help…... You were absolutely instrumental in my success.’ (NRS385 30 Session Student). Partnerships between WNSW LHD and Charles Sturt have strengthened to support future graduate workforce development.
Conclusion
Ongoing collaboration between SNPHS -Nursing and Careers and Skills Team to support students and to promote professionalism, CPD and success in their lifelong learning. Further develop partnerships with NSW and VIC Health representatives within Charles Sturt regional footprint. Expand the mock interviews suite through the Career Portal Interview360 tool. Incorporate all job application and interview preparation information, plus recorded embedding sessions into a first iteration nursing career readiness page on the Career Portal.
References
Beggs, R. L., Sidwell, D. K., Rattray, M. E., Neville, G. E., & Zimmerman, P.-A. P. (2022). Undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of the graduate application process: A qualitative exploration. Collegian, 29(2), 213–219. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1016/j.colegn.2021.08.006
Chang, E., & Hatcher, D. (Eds.). (2024). Transitions in nursing: preparing for professional practice (Sixth edition.). Elsevier Australia.
