Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic, nursing and healthcare students were not able to experience their clinical placements in various medical settings. In view of the situation, the School of Health Sciences of the Caritas Institute of Higher Education regularise the simulation training for all students who are studying the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) and Higher Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (General) programmes to enhance their professional training and development.
Students studying CIHE's Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) or Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) (Applied Degree Places) Programmes are required to complete 4 clinical practicum courses with no less than 1,400 hours of practicum training within their 3 – 5 years studies while students from Higher Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (General) programme are required to have a total of 1,600 hours of practicum training their 2 years studies to fulfil the requirement for being a Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse.
"The community is expressing their concerns on the professional training of the nursing students as the clinical placements were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic since January 2020. Starting from the same year, our school have been fully adopted simulation training in strengthening the foundation of nursing skills training, not only could offset the effects of temporary suspension of clinical placements but also to facilitate pre-ward preparations for the students, which eventually paved a seamless arrangement for the professional placements." Professor Eric CHAN, Dean of the School of Health Science said.
The School of Health Sciences first introduced the simulation training to the fourth- and fifth-year students of the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) Programme and the first-year students of the Higher Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (General) Programme. These students, formed groups of eight, need complete at least 4 sections of training within one year of study. Under the supervision of professional tutors, the students would pair up in taking care of a simulated patient, when discharging their nursing skills such as wounded dressing and dispensing of oral drugs.
"A section of simulation training takes around 8 hours, which is equivalent to one shift in the medical setting. I believe such kind of training should be helpful for students in familiarising their placements or works in the short coming future" Professor CHAN supplemented.
Other than the enhanced simulation training, the School of Health Sciences of CIHE along with the sistering Department of Health Sciences of Caritas Bianchi College of Careers (CBCC) is introducing a new programme – Diploma in Health Sciences. As well as enhancing the course of Higher Diploma in Health Sciences by bisecting two majoring streams – namely Nursing Studies and Rehabilitation Studies. Dr. Ita FUNG, Associate Dean (Planning and Development) of the School of Health Sciences of CIHE cum Head of the Department of Health Sciences of CBCC stated "The society is craving for medical and health professionals, both school and department are introducing various programmes in response to those who wish to devolve into these professions but having different backgrounds."
For media enquiries, kindly contact:
Public Affairs Office
Caritas Institute of Higher Education
3653 6745 / 6045 0593 / 3653 6732
pao@sfu.edu.hk