Our online CPD Portal is a great way to refresh your knowledge.
If you want to increase your prospects of finding a graduate/transition to practice program, or job, there are a few extra things you can do to make your application stand out.
While employers will be looking at your results and references from clinical placements and RUSON/M experience, participating in extra-curricular activities will show you’re motivated, proactive and committed to your profession.
It’s also a fantastic way to expand your burgeoning knowledge and skills.
Attend conferences
Attending conferences, such as those offered by ANMF, are a great way to demonstrate you can undertake self-directed learning, find out more about the areas of nursing and midwifery you’re interested in, and meet your future colleagues. Most conferences will offer student discounts, the upcoming mental health nursing conference, The Collab is offering 40 student passes for those interested in mental health nursing (apply by Friday 2 June).
Undertake continuing professional development (CPD) seminars
Once you are a working nurse or midwife you’ll be required annually by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to undertake minimum of 20 CPD hours. Even though you are a student and not required to undertake CPD, it’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to nursing or midwifery and prepare you for your career.
ANMF Education Centre has an online portal where fully financial members receive annual credit towards online modules. We also offer seminars and workshops on a large variety of topics that relate to current practice. Working students (e.g. RUSON/RUSOMs) are entitled to the full credit.
Join your student nursing and midwifery society
Most universities (through your student unions) and some vocational colleges, have many clubs and societies for students, including specialist ones for nursing and midwifery students. Often these societies organise networking events where you can meet your future colleagues or employers and learn more about your future profession.
If you become active within your club, you might also want to consider becoming an executive member (e.g. president, treasurer, etc.) which will give you the experience that employers look for, such as leadership and communication skills.
Working/volunteering
Look for paid or volunteer opportunities in the disability, aged care or community services sectors. As stated above, there are also RUSON/RUSOM positions for nursing and midwifery students from your second year. These roles help you develop and consolidate relevant skills that contributes to your experience and must be included when you are writing your applications.
By expanding your education and activities beyond the classroom, you will be able to demonstrate to employers that you are keen and committed to become a nurse and/or midwife.
The ANMF wishes our final year students the very best in securing a graduate position for 2024. Our Graduate and Student Support Officer Alice Pemberton is able to assist and respond to queries as is our Member Assistance team.
