The $25,000 refurbishments have added two hospital beds, dummies and an area for students to develop wound management skills in their classroom.

Cowra TAFE Community Services head teacher Dianne Johnson said the improvements will allow students to gain competency in nursing duties including taking blood pressure

readings and applying bandages in a simulated clinical environment.

“We have been running the course for the last three years and the new facilities have been much-needed for the students,” Ms Johnson said.

“The refurbishments will give

students the opportunity to gain

valuable hands-on experience in

nursing.

“The course is also a perfect

introduction for students looking to gain employment in general nursing or aged care.”

Around 22 students have enrolled in the Certificate III in Health Service Assistance course for 2010. The course runs once a week for 12 months.

Students can then elect to take on further training or study to become fully qualified general or aged care nurses.