Ara nursing graduates are ready to work
Ara nursing graduates remain in demand according to Nurse Education in the Tertiary Sector’s New Graduate Destinations
report.
94% of the Ara Bachelor of Nursing graduates who finished their studies at the end of 2017 and looked for work found
work as a nurse within three months. The result is well ahead of the national average of 80% and continues a trend of
excellence for the department. Ara performed best amongst the larger institutes offering nursing education.
The news comes as Ara’s nursing department prepares to move to the Health Research Education Facility at the new Manawa
building, close to Christchurch Hospital, with the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) and University of Canterbury
(UC). The move will enable current students to learn alongside health professionals in world-class facilities.
“We have built a close relationship with CDHB, and other health providers, which opens doors for employment and further
workplace training programmes and opportunities for our students,” Head of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health at Ara
Cathy Andrew says. “We listen to the needs of our health sector partners and we have earned their trust that our nursing
graduates have the skills needed in health environments today.”
“Moving into the Health Research Education Facility will open up more opportunities for nursing students to learn with
sophisticated technology in simulated situations with other health professionals.”
Ara graduates over 200 registered nurses each year, as well as offering enrolled nursing, postgraduate nursing and
health science including a Nurse Practitioner programmecertificates of practice preparing overseas nurses to work in New
Zealand and foundational programmes to pathway to the Bachelor of Nursing.
Nationally 1272 students passed the Nursing Council Exam. Graduate nurses found employment in surgical and medical
nursing predominately, followed by mental health, child health and care of the elderly. Altogether, the 15 areas of
employment reflect the diversity of entry level opportunities in the profession in hospital and community settings.