Four-year diploma path opens for students hoping to become nurses

Anthony Ho

Youths and Diploma of Secondary Education Examination graduates will have one more option of becoming registered nurses and potentially degree graduates after completing a four-year diploma by the Hospital Authority.

The authority has launched a Professional Diploma in Nursing in 2021 at three nursing schools, taking in 300 students that meet the basic requirements for admission to local universities - attaining level three in Chinese language and English language and level two in Mathematics and Liberal Studies, as well as level two in another subject.

Three nursing schools, Caritas Medical Centre in Cheung Sha Wan, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei and Tuen Mun Hospital, will take 100 students each. Students can also spend one more year articulating to top-up their bachelor's degree after their four-year training.

The program covers 30 core subjects, including theory and clinical training that gives students an understanding of the holistic nature of health and methods to care for patients; those who wish to study the course can apply online before Friday.

The principal of School of General Nursing Nicole Chu Wai-ling at Tuen Mun Hospital said there have been an average of five to six applicants competing for a degree in the Hospital Authority's registered nursing program every year for the last two years.

"Churning in manpower made competition fiercer," Chu noted.

She added that there will be an interview during the course, which consists of questions about communications and social issues.

Simon Yuen Hoi-pan, a first year general nursing student in Tuen Mun Hospital said his goal to become a nurse was inspired after managing an accident.

Yuen was a former assistant officer of the Correctional Services Department. He said he felt heartbroken when he saw an elderly inmate faint. Since then, he found taking care of people in need more meaningful.

"I am also afraid that will happen to my older family members," Yuen said, adding that he thinks having the heart to help people is the most important criteria for a nurse.

Yuen said studying in nursing school under the Hospital Authority has given him more practical experiences and allowed him to go through many cases for future career, while studying along with classmates who are also passionate to become nurses has made his class vibrant.

"I would love to take care of patients 24-7," Yuen added.

Another student, Cassie Wong Tsz-ching, is studying general nursing at Queen Elizabeth Hospital to fulfill her childhood dream.

Wong worked in marketing at an insurance company before, but she later rediscovered her dream after seeing medical staff go above and beyond during the pandemic.

She was also encouraged by her friend who is studying at the nursing school with her.

"My friend has become more willing to spend time helping people after she joined the nursing field," Wong said.

Wong found the nursing program challenging as she did not study science when she was in secondary school. "But lecturers are willing to help me practice skill in their spare time," she said.