OLDER, STRONGER AND WISER: SO WE ARE GROWING OUR OWN’

Registered nurses are vital in the management and provision of quality care in remote and rural areas. While shortages appear in all areas of nursing it is particularly critical in the private aged care services sector. Staff members at Frontier Services Pulkapulkka Kari Aged Care in Tennant Creek, where the residents are 90% Indigenous, are keen to care for the residents in a culturally appropriate manner. Family commitments, isolation, finances and the need to travel to larger cities for the education have deterred them from commencing nursing studies.

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (The Institute) is a boutique indigenous higher education provider. The BN at The Institute incorporates the development of a stronger and wiser knowledge base promoting cultural aspects for general nursing and care of the aged. Frontier Services approached The Institute with a proposal to deliver the BN in Tennant Creek. This three year pilot program includes indigenous and non indigenous students. It is a collaboration; The Institute delivering the BN; NT Dept of Health and Community Services providing clinical placements for the students locally in Tennant Creek Hospital and community services; Frontier Services providing a flexible working environment for the students and support structures for learning.