Post-registration nursing courses--one way forward

This paper sets out an alternative method for post-registration nursing courses to the traditional type of 6 or 12 month programmes. The factors involved in precipitating the changes are outlined and the rationale for, and process of, change discussed. The authors believe that shorter, skills based modular programmes--especially at competency (3rd year registered nurse) level--are the key to the future provision of adequate numbers of appropriately skilled registered nurses in the ever increasing number of specialty areas and that these courses must be based upon a strong correlation of theory to advanced clinical practice skills. The paper illustrates this point by describing briefly two of the modular programmes offered at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide.