SCHOOL leavers or those just looking for a career change are being encouraged to apply for a diploma of enrolled nursing scholarship through NSW Health.
There are 300 scholarships available and students who successfully complete the course will be guaranteed a job offer at a NSW public hospital.
The program being run in partnership with the Department of Education and Communities includes training at metropolitan and rural TAFE NSW colleges, and the NSW Health Registered Training Organisation at Rozelle and Liverpool.
Kim Olesen, the director of nursing and midwifery services for South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, said enrolled nurses played an important role in all hospitals.
"Our health system relies on the dedicated work of enrolled nurses who are trained to care for patients in a wide range of specialties," Ms Olesen said.
"The diploma of enrolled nursing program gives NSW students of the TAFE course hands-on experience through clinical placements in hospitals and other health facilities which will be organised as part of their training."
Selection for the scholarship involves a written application, a basic literacy and numeracy test and interview.
Applications are invited from HSC school leavers, mature-age applicants or those who have completed a Certificate III or equivalent qualification.
Successful applicants will start the TAFE course in April.
Applications are due on February 12; details: health.nsw.gov.au/nursing
