On the fast track

It has been suggested in nursing literature that a bachelor's degree should be the pre-requisite to professional nursing education and registration. The perceived advantages of graduates entering the nursing profession led faculty in the School of Nursing La Trobe University to introduce in 1997 an innovative two-year Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program, believed to be the first in Australia, for graduates of other disciplines. A problem-based learning (PBL) approach was selected to facilitate the teaching learning process. Data to evaluate the progress of the accelerated students were collected by examining their previous degree background, conducting a focus group discussion mid year and comparing the students' academic results with those completing the traditional three-year course. Findings indicate that students in the accelerated course were highly motivated but experienced significant stress. In part the stress emanated from the need to identify their own learning needs. However, despite their concerns most accelerated students scored at least as well both clinically and academically as traditional students. Moreover, in six of the seven final year subjects each group studied the accelerated students performed better.     

Implementation of the peer review council.

Peer review is an integral part of professional nursing practice that traditionally involves licensed personnel evaluating one another. Peer review councils can structure the environment further, enhancing the consistency and meaningfulness of the evaluation process. A highly structured, inclusive process of peer review can help develop unit cultures of professionalism, involvement, and excellence. The formation, implementation, and outcomes of two unique peer review councils consisting of licensed and unlicensed personnel are described.