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Latest articles
September 14, 2023
Steven Cumper
The Best Blood Pressure Monitors for Home Use
Learn about the importance of monitoring blood pressure at home, the different types of blood pressure monitors, factors to consider when choosing one, and provide a list of top picks for the best blood pressure monitors for home use. Read on to learn more.
July 26, 2023
Carolyn Cumper
Best Nursing Shoes for Women
Discover the best nursing shoes for women that provide comfort, support, and style. Find also what factors to consider while shopping for nursing shoes.
April 28, 2023
Medshop Editor
NDIS Consumables Examples
For anyone with any kind of disability, meeting the challenges associated with their particular disability can be tough. However, today, there are specialist products available that can both improve quality of life and make daily life easier. Many of these products are covered by NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funding, and so are known as NDIS consumables for short. The term ‘consumables’ is pretty broad. After all, every disabled person has a wide and unique range of needs and requirements. However, for the purpose of the NDIS scheme’s definition it includes a variety of everyday items, like incontinence pads and syringes, as well as more specialist products such as low cost communication equipment. If you qualify for NDIS funding, then the particular products you will be able to purchase will depend on how your disability is categorised, and finding out exactly which products are included in your NDIS budget will help you to better meet your support needs and live life to the full. Here then, we take a look at NDIS consumables so you can understand the program and make the most of its benefits. Read on to learn more What Are NDIS Consumables? NDIS consumables are one of the four NDIS Core Supports designed to help achieve the goals and objectives of an NDIS plan. The other NDIS Core Supports are assistance with daily life, assistance with social and community participation, and transport. NDIS Consumables include everyday products that NDIS participants need to manage their specific disabilities, and access to these products can help disabled people with their personal care, nutrition, communication and community participation. The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) determines which consumables qualify for funding assistance, and each product is determined by specific disabilities. This means that a huge range of consumables are potentially covered under the NDIS scheme, with some high-cost items, like wheelchairs and assistive technology, also available in your NDIS plan. However, these items fall into a different category known as NDIS Capital Support and you should carefully check your NDIS scheme to see if they are covered in your case. The most common products covered by the NDIS Consumables scheme include: Bottle Openers and Knob Turners Bottle openers and knob turners enable disabled people with mobility issues to live more independently. These products are often covered by a NDIS Consumables plan. Catheters and Continence Products Continence products, such as nappies, incontinence pads and catheters, are often essential for daily living. As a result, continence products are counted as NDIS Consumables. Home Enteral Nutrition Equipment Home enteral nutrition (HEN) equipment allows carers to ensure people living with disabilities are able to get the nutrition they require. Nutritional supplements may also be considered consumables. Food Preparation Products and Eat Aids Food preparation products and eating aids are designed to enable disabled people to prepare and consume food more easily. Adapted Footwear and Orthotics Specialist footwear and orthotics can help to reduce pain and discomfort and increase mobility. Interpreting and Translating Services People living with disabilities can use the fund to pay for interpretation and translation services. It can also pay for sign language training. Specialist Bedding Specialist bedding, like mattresses and pillows, is generally considered a consumable. Specialist bedding can help to provide extra support and make it easier for people with mobility issues to get in and out of bed themselves. Vision or Hearing-Related Technology Low-cost assistive technology, such as hearing aids, can be purchased from NDIS registered providers. Bathroom Aids Bathroom aids are an important part of independent living for many people with disabilities. Skincare Skincare and wound care products are often covered by a NDIS consumables package. What Is the Budget of NDIS Consumables Package? The NDIS consumables budget is primarily aimed at low cost items. Products under $1,500 will generally not require a quote, while those over $1,500 require at least two quotes before purchasing. If you’re unsure of your NDIS Consumables budget, talk to your plan manager or local disability support coordinator. How to Purchase NDIS Consumables? There are three NDIS plan management options. These are self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA managed. If you choose to self manage your plan, the NDIA will provide you with the funding so that you can access the products and support that best suit your needs. If you opt for plan-managed - also known as agency managed - NDIS funding, a plan manager or support coordinator will track your fund and pay providers on your behalf. This can be suitable for people with learning difficulties, autism or another type of learning impairment. If you choose a NDIA managed plan, the agency will pay providers directly on your behalf. In Australia, retailers that provide NDIS consumables must meet strict government guidelines. These guidelines ensure that all products purchased under the scheme meet high Australian quality and safety requirements. If your plan is agency managed, you’ll have to buy products from NDIS registered providers. NDIS providers can vary from large retailers to online shops, and sole traders to charities. If you have a plan manager, you can ask them for advice on where to purchase the products you require. There are also a number of charities that offer information on the types of products that you can buy with your NDIS funding. When buying NDIS consumables, you’ll generally have to provide your NDIS service number, your address, date of birth and the start and end date of your plan. In some cases, you may also need to inform the retailer of how your plan is managed. In many cases, NDIS registered retailers provide information during the payment process. This information will help you to select the checkout process that’s right for you, and help to ensure your invoice is dealt with as quickly as possible. The NDIS Consumables plan allows people living with disabilities to access the products and services they need to live healthy, active and comfortable lives. To find out more, and learn about the wide range of high quality medical products we offer, explore the Med Shop NDIS page or get in touch with a member of our team.
March 23, 2023
Medshop Editor
Clinical Nurse vs Registered Nurse — Understanding the Difference
Being a nurse is a hugely important and rewarding job. Ever since the beginning of modern nursing back in the mid-19th century, the fundamental principles that underlie what nurses do have remained the same. Nurses are there to administer medications and certain types of treatments, perform physical exams, coordinate care, and promote health. These core roles have remained the same for generations. However, with the advancement of modern technology and development of different strands of medicine, the roles of nurses have become more specialised. And within the nursing pyramid, there are various levels of qualification and seniority that accommodate different specialties and personality types. Two of the core types of nurses in Australia are clinical nurses and registered nurses. While both still adhere to the principles above, and there is some overlap in what they do, these are actually two distinct roles within the nursing structure. Below we will discuss the role of the clinical nurse vs registered nurse, highlighting the key differences and similarities between the two. If you’re considering nursing as a career, understanding the difference will help you to decide which career path you may want to follow and what type of nurse you want to be. What is a registered nurse? A registered nurse is regulated by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia, registered and licensed under the appropriate Nursing Act. Registered nurses generally have a higher degree of responsibility than other nursing roles, and as such are often given managerial or team leader roles, or even work in administrative positions. Responsibilities generally include assessment and management of patients, administration of medications, as well as more complex nursing care. National competency standards mean that registered nurses have a higher level of autonomy than some other kinds of nurses. What is a clinical nurse? Clinical nurses are advanced practice registered nurses who hold master’s degrees in nursing and have received specialized training in specific areas of medicine. They hold all the same responsibilities as a registered nurse, only the field in which they operate is more focused. Clinical nurses will have undertaken additional studies in these areas of medicine, usually over a number of years, developing specific and relevant knowledge in this field. Clinical nurses have a more in-depth knowledge of patient care in their area of specialty and their advanced clinical skills means they can take a role in passing on this knowledge to more junior colleagues and students. Specific roles of the clinical nurse in practice include making recommendations on diagnoses, consulting with patients on how best to manage their condition, performing advanced health assessments, and liaising with doctors to provide the right levels of care. Clinical nurse vs registered nurse — the differences As you might expect, there is a lot of similar ground covered by both clinical and registered nurses. Both positions adhere to the basic principles of nursing, work in a clinical environment, and are essential to the care system here in Australia. However, there are some fundamental differences. Clinical nurses need to have attained a master’s degree in nursing or a doctorate, whereas registered nurses only require an associate or bachelor’s degree. You also must have accrued more than 5,000 hours of on-the-job experience in order to qualify as a clinical nurse. Their roles within a hospital or facility are slightly different too, with a clinical nurse being more research driven and administrative, generally taking more of a leadership role within the team. Clinical nurses also play a more significant role in passing on specific knowledge and ensuring compliance and best practice are met. In terms of salary and opportunities for progression, for a registered nurse this will depend on the level of experience and pay point you have attained. A starting salary for a Level 1, Pay Point 1 registered nurse is around $50k a year. This rises to around $110k per year for highly qualified Level 5, Grade 6 nurses. Salaries for clinical nurses are $96k per year. Of course, there is possibility for further advancement if additional qualifications or responsibilities are added to these positions. Clinical nurse vs registered nurse — making your choice As you can see, both clinical and registered nurses are highly qualified specialists who work in high pressure positions and carry out skilled and essential work within the health system. If you are considering being a nurse and have a desire to care for people and make a difference every time you go to work, then either position can be very rewarding. If general nursing, being part of a team, and experiencing a varied work life is more appealing to you, then the position of registered nurse is a great option. This is also a great option if you want to work your way up the ladder through experience on the job, learning from colleagues and building your level of responsibility. However, if you would like to further specialize or have an interest in one particular branch of medicine, or if you are very academically minded and find the appeal of more detailed study an incentive, then you might be more suited to make the progression to a clinical nurse position. Whichever you choose, your journey will start with application and acceptance onto a nursing degree course. Of course, in Australia there are also other types of nursing positions available too, including nurse practitioner, enrolled nurses and midwives. There are also assistants in nursing (AIN) positions which, although not technically nurses, do perform a lot of the same tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse or similar. Regardless of the nursing role you select, having the appropriate attire and equipment is crucial for your daily activities. At Medshop, explore our extensive selection of general and specialist nursing supplies, including a variety of nursing scrubs. These scrubs are not only functional but also designed for comfort and durability, essential for the demands of nursing work. Check out our range to see the full array of options available to support your nursing career. Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.
February 14, 2023
Steven Cumper
8 Best Stethoscopes for EMTs & Paramedics
Both EMTs and paramedics rely on stethoscopes for a variety of patient checks and examinations. From listening to a patient’s heartbeat to checking blood pressure and other vital signs, stethoscopes play an important part in providing fast, effective first aid. If you’re looking for a new, reliable device, check out our pick of the best stethoscopes for EMTs.
January 26, 2023
Carolyn Cumper
6 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses
Stethoscopes are used by nurses in pretty much all areas of medicine. From carrying out general checks to more specialist examinations, stethoscopes are relied on by healthcare professionals everywhere. Virtually all nursing students will learn how to use a stethoscope to check blood pressure, monitor heart sounds and listen for lung sounds. Carrying out these assessments allows nurses to keep an eye on their patients’ progress and make a range of diagnoses. Whether you’re currently in nursing school, or have already embarked on your medical career, finding the right stethoscope for your needs will help you properly assess your patients and give you a tool you can rely on. To help you narrow down the options and select the perfect product for you, we’re taking a look at the best stethoscopes for nurses currently on the market. 1. The Best General Purpose Stethoscope for Nurses The 3M Littmann Classic III is a fantastic general-purpose stethoscope. The latest version in 3M Littmann’s signature stethoscope range, the Classic III is arguably the best stethoscope for nurses. The Littmann stethoscope offers high-definition sensitivity for all over physical exams, a tunable diaphragm on both adult and paediatric sides of the chest piece, next-generation tubing and soft-sealing ear tips. The tunable diaphragm allows you to switch between low and high-frequency sounds simply by changing the amount of pressure you place on the chest piece. This makes the high-quality stethoscope perfect for general auscultation as well as specialist examinations. The soft-sealing ear tips ensure the stethoscope fits comfortably in your ear canal. They also help to cut out ambient noise to improve sound quality. The next-generation tubing will help your stethoscope last for even longer. One of the most popular types of stethoscopes on the market, the Littmann Classic III is a great choice for nurses working in all areas of medicine. 2. The Best Specialist Stethoscope for Nurses The 3M Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope is the perfect choice for nurses who want a precise, finely tuned medical instrument. Like the Littmann Classic III, the Cardiology IV Stethoscope has a tunable diaphragm, an adjustable headset and outstanding acoustic performance. It also comes with dual-lumen tubing which combines two sound paths in one tube. This eliminates the rubbing noise created by dual tubes and allows the clinician to hear with even greater clarity. The Littmann stethoscope is also exceptionally versatile. Its innovative design lets the user switch between high and low-frequency sounds simply by adjusting the pressure on the chest piece. This advanced feature allows nurses to carry out a range of physical assessments quickly and efficiently. Littmann also manufactures the Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope. The device comes with a higher price tag than the Cardiology IV, but it does offer more features, ergonomic design and unbeatable acoustics. Another good specialist stethoscope option for nurses is the Spirit Deluxe Cardiology Stethoscope. The high quality device has a stainless steel adult and paediatric dual head chest piece, excellent acoustic sensitivity and latex-free tubing. More affordable than both the Littmann Master Cardiology and Cardiology IV stethoscopes, it’s a great choice for medical professionals looking for a good value option. 3. The Best Paediatric Stethoscope for Nurses If you want a specialist paediatric nursing stethoscope, the 3M Littmann Classic II Paediatric Stethoscope is the perfect choice. The device has a non-chill rim and diaphragm for patient comfort, soft-sealing earpieces and a chest piece that’s specifically designed for paediatric patients. Nurses who work with infants and young patients can also opt for the Spirit Deluxe Paediatric Stethoscope. The specialist instrument has a floating diaphragm, ultra acoustic sensitivity and a solid chest piece with medical grade stainless steel brushed finish. Latex-free, it offers excellent amplification, a choice of colours and a manufacturer’s warranty. 4. The Best Lightweight Stethoscope for Nurses Nurses are often required to be on their feet all day, every day. So, having a large, heavy duty dual head stethoscope around your neck or in the pocket of your scrubs isn’t always realistic. If you want all the accuracy and performance of a high quality medical instrument, but without the back ache, why not invest in a lightweight stethoscope? Both Welch Allyn, and Prestige manufacture lightweight stethoscopes that are accurate, easy to use and reliable. Perfect for students, EMTs and nurses on the go, they allow you to examine adult patients quickly, efficiently and with confidence. 5. The Best High-Tech Stethoscope for Nurses If you want a high-tech stethoscope with all the bells and whistles you can think of, invest in the 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope. Part of the new generation of electronic stethoscopes, the CORE Digital Stethoscope boasts a whole host of features. These include advanced noise cancellation to eliminate all background noise, up to 40 times amplification and a tunable diaphragm. The device connects to Eko software to visualise and share heart sound waveforms and is designed for use with adult and paediatric patients. Thanks to its extensive list of extras and exceptional build quality, the CORE Digital Stethoscope is ideal for use by nurses working in specialist environments like the ICU. 6. The Best Low Cost Stethoscope for Nurses Low cost scopes can offer excellent functionality as well as great value for money. One of the most affordable and reliable models on the market is the Spirit Classic Stethoscope CK-S601PF. The stethoscope has a floating diaphragm, ultra acoustic sensitivity and a solid chest piece. Other affordable options include the Prestige Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope, the Spirit Advanced Single Head Stethoscope and the Prestige Ultra Sensitive Dual Head Stethoscope. You can guarantee great value from your investment by selecting a product with a lifetime warranty. A good quality stethoscope is a must for hard working nurses everywhere. Find out more, and learn about the other products in our collection by taking a look around or getting in touch with a member of our team. FAQs Which Littmann is Best for Nurses? 3M Littmann is arguably the world’s best known stethoscope manufacturer. The brand offers a wide choice of stethoscopes to suit every speciality. These range from the Littmann Lightweight II to the CORE Digital and Master Cardiology acoustic stethoscope. The company also makes a selection of accessories and replacement parts to help keep your stethoscope going for even longer. If you’re looking for a high quality, all-purpose stethoscope that will stand the test of time, the Littmann Classic III is the perfect choice. Affordable, reliable and built to last, it will help you examine your patients quickly and accurately. Can a Nurse Use a Cardiology Stethoscope? Cardiology stethoscopes are designed to be highly sensitive and user-friendly. Often more expensive than other types of stethoscope, they’re perfect for nurses who want an instrument that’s exceptionally accurate and long lasting. What Is the Best Stethoscope for Nurses? The best stethoscope for your needs will depend on your budget and your specialty. Take a look through our collection to find the right product for you.
December 08, 2022
Carolyn Cumper
5 of the Best Online Courses for Medical Students & Professionals
Whether you’re just out of high school you’re a fully trained nurse looking to gain access to specialised professions, online courses for medical students of all ages provide a great way for you to learn the knowledge and skills you need to go further in your career. In fact, with such as wealth of educational resources available online, you can study from the comfort of home, at your own pace, and still receive recognised certification that can help you in your career. So, stay tuned if you’re asking what medical courses can i take online? Medical Ventilation for COVID-19 – Harvard University (edX) With the worldwide impact of COVID still making its presence felt, quickly learning some of the most important skills to fight the most dangerous symptoms has been crucial. For licensed clinicians in intensive care units this means being able to pass on knowledge to nurses, physicians, therapists, and others who are caring for the affected patients. The course is free of charge and can be useful for medical students too, as they can learn the basics of medical ventilation and understand some of the elements that go into aftercare of patients. Online and 100% free Study at your own pace 2-5 hours per week Certified Become an EMT — The University of Colorado (Coursera) Caring for patients both before and after they reach the hospital is crucial to their recovery, and EMT units play a huge role in this effort. To help EMTs deliver the right kind of care, the first part of this 7-month course teaches how to assess an emergency, implementing the framework for patient assessment, preparing the right care, and learning the background of emergency medical services. Part two focusses o breathing, circulation, medication, and identifying diabetic and stroke patients, while the third part looks at CPR, toxicology, and wilderness emergency procedures. Parts four and five then go on to focus on trauma skills and infants and paediatrics. Online and 100% free Certified Flexible schedules Seven months course Career 911 – You Future Job in Medicine and Healthcare (Coursera) This free online medical courses for high school students is ideal for those just leaving school and who are interested in entering the healthcare industry. Boasting talks and lectures from healthcare professionals, as well as numerous ideas and strategies to help you navigate your way through the education system and the industry, this excellent tool can help you make an informed decision on what your future may look like—not to mention it will look fantastic on you CV. Online and 100% free 19 hours to complete Certified More than 50 guests and lecturers Systems Thinking in Public Health — John Hopkins University (Coursera) As one of the best medical online courses for policy makers and managers, Systems Thinking in Public health provides an overview of the complex and problematic areas of policy and programme creation in light of the many stakeholders involved. Delivering critical tools and knowledge that aim to disrupt linear and abstractive thinking, the lectures are highly informative, analytical, finely structured, and focussed, giving you new insights into areas that can be highly complex. Online and 100% free Certified Flexible deadlines 15 hours to complete Medical Terminology – DoaneX (edX) This free online courses for medical students with a certificate is a fantastic resource to help brush up on the wealth of complex medical terminology that you need to learn. The course aims to teach vocabulary with a focus on roots (or stem words), prefixes, suffixes, and abbreviations. Covering the full gamut of medical terminology, from antonymy though physiology to pathology and diagnostics systems, the course delivers a comprehensive introduction that will allow medical student to communicate efficiently in healthcare settings. Online and 100% free Certified Self-paced 8 weeks, 5-10 hours per week Health Care Innovation – The University of Pennsylvania (Coursera) Among the best online courses for doctors, nurses, and management, who are constantly looking to innovate and streamline their respective fields, Health Care Innovation from PENN aims to teach practical knowledge of operations management and economic frameworks in health care settings. In turn, this allows scope for future innovation while managing risk in the real world. Flexible and taught by experts in the field, this course is ideal for anyone who wants to push their career forward through innovation. Online and 100% free Certified Set your own page Videos and Lectures Quizzes and graded assignments Of course, this is just a small selection of thousands of available courses online, and whatever your chosen specialism, you’re sure to find everything you need—either for free or for a small price. However, for even more free information on the healthcare industry, make sure you check out our resource guide and blog, as well as our nurses salary guide so you can aim high and achiever even higher!
November 28, 2022
Steven Cumper
Buying a Medical Student Stethoscope - Full Guide
Most medical students will need to invest in a stethoscope when they start their training. Learning how to use one of these iconic instruments properly is a rite of passage, and an essential step on the career ladder for medical students everywhere. If you’ve just started out on your medical journey, treating yourself to a good quality stethoscope will help you to feel the part and set you on your way to success. If you have a friend or family member who’s an aspiring doctor or nurse, giving them a brand new stethoscope will show you care and give them a bit of encouragement as they start out in their new vocation. To help you find the right product for your needs, and get your medical training off on the right foot, we’re taking a look at the best student stethoscope options around. What Features to Look for When Buying a Medical Student Stethoscope? In general, students don’t need a stethoscope with lots of bells and whistles when they’re just starting out. In most cases, fairly basic models will be more than enough for student doctors and nurses at the start of their training. As long as the stethoscope is good quality, durable and has high acoustic sensitivity, it should be suitable for both aspiring doctors and nurses. A model like the Spirit Classic CK-S601PF Stethoscope is ideal as it offers excellent performance and great value for money. Its excellent acoustics, floating diaphragm and advanced light binaural tubing assembly mean that students will be able to hear everything happening inside their patients’ bodies. Another thing that makes this a great stethoscope for student doctors and nurses is the fantastic range of colours available. Choose from baby blue, shocking pink, lemon yellow, dark green, purple and royal blue among many other shades. Select a bright, bold nursing student stethoscope so you can spot yours easily at the end of the day. Other good options for medical students include the Prestige Clinical I Stethoscope, the Prestige Clinical Lite Stethoscope and the Prestige Basic Spraguelite Stethoscope. All of these affordable stethoscopes offer durability, great acoustics and excellent usability. What Is the Best Stethoscope for Medical Student? While a stethoscope for nursing students and medical students doesn’t need to be particularly fancy or expensive, buying a high-end medical student stethoscope could help to future-proof your investment. After all, if you spend a little more on a professional-standard stethoscope now, you probably won’t have to buy another for years, helping you to save money in the long term. Littmann make some of the very best stethoscopes around. Known for their high-build quality, beautiful design and excellent acoustics, Littmann stethoscopes are used by top medical professionals all over the world. Thanks to their durability and accuracy, these are arguably the best stethoscopes medical students can buy. Unless you’ve already chosen your specialty, you’re probably best off with the 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope. This fantastic piece of equipment is a genuine all-rounder. It offers next-generation tubing with enhanced resistance to skin oils and alcohol, high definition sensitivity for doing overall physical examinations, and a tunable diaphragm. The stethoscope can be used on both adult and paediatric patients. If you’ve already decided you’re going to specialise in cardiology, opt for the 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope or the 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope. Providing far higher levels of accuracy than the average stethoscope student doctors may use, these specialist tools will help to get your career off on the right foot. Littmann also makes infant and paediatric stethoscopes, giving students a great choice when it comes to selecting the product that’s right for them. If you’re studying to be a doctor or nurse and are looking for a student discount Littmann stethoscopes occasionally have offers available. Keep your eyes peeled to see if you can grab yourself a bargain. What Stethoscope Is Best for a Nursing Student? Student nurses are being trained for evermore specialist roles. So, it’s essential that these hard working professionals have access to tools that can help them accurately and quickly assess their patients. A lot of nurses working in hospitals, medical centres and other clinical settings will use stethoscopes regularly to diagnose and monitor the people they care for. This means that students need to master these skills if they’re going to excel in their chosen field. Again, Littmann is one of the best names to look for when buying a student stethoscope. When it comes to choosing a Littmann stethoscope nursing students can’t go wrong with the Classic III. This all-purpose stethoscope performs exceptionally well in all areas and will make it easy for student nurses to carefully examine their patients. If your budget won’t quite stretch to a Littmann, the Prestige Basic Dual Head Stethoscope is a more affordable stethoscope nursing students can invest in. Economical and accurate, it’s ideal for general practitioners, nurses and nursing students, as well as first responders and medical students. A good quality stethoscope is a real asset to aspiring doctors and nurses. Helping them to learn this all-important examination technique, and properly diagnose and monitor their patients, a good stethoscope is an absolute must have for medical students everywhere. To find out more about student stethoscopes, or to explore our entire range of high quality medical supplies, take a look around or get in touch with a member of our team today.
September 09, 2022
Carolyn Cumper
Nursing Doctorates in Australia – A Guide
Nurses in Australia carry out a wide range of specialist, highly skilled roles. Many of these roles require extra training and extensive clinical experience in a particular field. One of the most advanced options open to nurses in Australia is a doctoral degree. These highly respected higher education courses allow nurses to become academic doctors and to advance the research, knowledge and skills in their area of specialism. What’s more, medical professionals with a doctor of nursing degree generally have a wider choice of career opportunities and are likely to earn a significantly higher wage than colleagues without a professional doctorate. If you’re considering adding a doctorate to your CV, here’s everything you need to know about PhDs and DNPs in Australia. What is a PhD in Nursing Australia? A PhD in nursing is the next academic step open to nurses that have already completed a master degree. A PhD program generally takes four to six years to complete. The time it takes will depend on whether you study full-time or part-time. During a nursing PhD, candidates will undertake focused research on a particular area of healthcare. This research may involve conducting interviews, data analysis, site visits and relevant reading. Once students have completed their research, they’ll produce a thesis on their chosen subject. This thesis will be evaluated by a panel of academics. Is a DNP Higher Than a PhD? The two main forms of doctorate available to nurses are DNPs and PhDs. A DNP is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on nursing, midwifery, or both. PhDs are considered research degrees while DNPs are practice degrees. Nurses studying DNPs tend to continue working in clinical environments while those studying for a PhD often work in academic research settings. These two different pathways are equally respected and equally challenging. Both qualifications award successful candidates the title of doctor. The route you take depends on your interests, your career goals and your area of focus. Can a Nurse with a PhD Call Themselves Doctor? Anyone who successfully completes a PhD is entitled to call themselves a doctor. However, as this can cause confusion in the medical profession, it’s advisable for nurses with a PhD or a DNP to clarify their qualifications when working with patients. In many cases, it may be more appropriate to place letters after your name than to put a ‘Dr.’ before it. This can help to prevent patients and colleagues from becoming confused and keep things a little simpler when working in a clinical environment. Can You Do a Doctorate in Nursing? Both DNPs and PhDs are doctorates. DNPs are specifically aimed at nurses looking to improve their nursing education. These hands-on degrees require extensive clinical practice as well as graduate research and academic study. A PhD is also known as a Doctor of Philosophy. It’s the most common type of doctorate available to Australian nurses. How Do I Become a Doctor of Nursing in Australia? If you think a PhD could be the perfect next step in your professional development, the first thing you need to do is find a university that offers the course. You can then check their entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to apply. Most universities expect candidates to have completed a bachelor degree and a master’s degree in nursing and to have a few years of clinical experience under their belts. You’ll also need to pay tuition fees and complete all course requirements before obtaining your doctorate. What is a Doctor of Nursing Degree? A Doctor of Nursing degree is specifically aimed at nurses and healthcare workers. It’s the highest level of postgraduate academic qualification that nurses can achieve and entitles successful candidates to be called doctor. In order to be successful, your thesis will need to offer an original contribution on a subject that hasn’t previously been covered by another candidate. How Can a Nurse Get a PhD? If you want to complete a PhD, you’ll first need to undertake a master’s degree in nursing or a related field like public health or mental health. You’ll then need to apply to universities that offer the course. In some cases, you’ll need to present a research proposal outlining your planned area of study, and suggested methodologies of research, during the application process. If you’re accepted, you’ll need to work extensively on your research project in order to complete your thesis. You may also be required to carry out additional coursework and attain a certain level in your professional practice. Can I Get a Doctorate in Nursing in Australia? If you were born in Australia or New Zealand and are already working as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, you should be entitled to apply for a doctorate course. However, in most cases you’ll need to complete a higher degree, like a master’s before you can start your advanced studies. Unlike domestic students, international students may need to pass an English exam (IELTS) and acquire permanent resident status before they can apply. What are the Benefits of a Doctorate in Nursing? In order to obtain a Doctorate in Nursing, you’ll need to study for a number of years full-time, pay tuition fees and take on a considerable amount of extra work. So, it’s good to know there are considerable benefits to doing a Doctorate in Nursing and Midwifery. For a start, nurses who obtain a doctorate can earn a significantly higher wage than nurses without the qualification. In the US, nurses with a PhD earn around $10,000 more per year than colleagues with the next-highest qualification. Having a doctorate can also open up new professional pathways and allow for a career in academia or teaching. What is the Difference Between a PhD and DNP? A PhD is a research-based course. Nurses that choose to do a PhD often base themselves in a university or research setting and many stop working with patients during their university semesters. A DNP is a practice-based course. Nurses working towards a DNP will generally continue to work in a clinical environment and see patients throughout their studies. What is the Best PhD in Nursing? All nursing PhDs offered by Australian universities are highly respected. Among the institutions offering the course are: The University of Sydney The University of Melbourne The University of Adelaide The University of Tasmania La Trobe University Find out more about nursing in Australia, and explore our collection of nursing supplies, by taking a look around today.
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