Hospital Authority nursing schools open for enrolment

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Professional Diploma in Nursing Programme (PDN) of the three nursing schools under the Hospital Authority (HA) will be open for enrolment from today (April 29) to July 19. The three nursing schools located at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Caritas Medical Centre and Tuen Mun Hospital will provide a total of 300 places this year. On completion of the PDN, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse (General) under the Nursing Council of Hong Kong. Individuals aspiring to join the nursing profession are welcome to apply.

     Starting from 2021, the HA has upgraded the Higher Diploma in Nursing Programme previously offered by the three nursing schools at Qualifications Framework (QF) Level 4 to Professional Diploma Programme at QF Level 5, which is equivalent to the QF level of a bachelor degree course. The PDN is characterised by a strong emphasis on both theory and practice, covering 30 core subjects with a wide variety of nursing theories and skills. The PDN also emphasises the concept of holistic care. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1 400 hours of clinical practicum, including placements in various specialties and departments in public hospitals, to accumulate comprehensive clinical experience. With the aid of diversified teaching methods and simulation training, the PDN aims to cultivate students into nursing professionals with both clinical competence and a caring spirit.

     Dr Danny Tong, the Chief Manager (Nursing) of the HA, said, "The HA has always attached great importance to nurturing the next generation of nursing professionals. Apart from providing basic nursing training through the nursing schools, we also offer continuous education and training opportunities for existing nursing staff. The HA will continue to enhance the remuneration and career ladder for the nursing grade (refer to Annex 1), so as to ensure all-round development of our nurses. I encourage individuals who aspire to join the nursing profession to enrol in the HA nursing programmes and become our new nursing workforce to safeguard the health of the public."

     The minimum entry requirements for the PDN Programme include attaining Level 3 or above in Chinese Language and English Language, Level 2 or above in Mathematics, "Attained" in Citizenship and Social Development and Level 2 or above in one elective subject from Category A in the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) Examination. Applicants with equivalent qualifications are also eligible to apply. Interviews will be arranged for eligible applicants, and successful applicants will commence their studies on September 2. For more information on the PDN and application details, please scan the QR code provided in Annex 2 or visit the HA's website.

     At present, the PDN is a four-year full-time programme. The HA plans to adjust the curriculum arrangements starting from the new academic year in September, so that students can complete the PDN in as early as three and a half years, subject to formal confirmation by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong.

     In addition, the School of General Nursing, Grantham Hospital, will continue to offer a two-year Enroled Nurses (General) training course this year, with 100 places available for enrolment. The application period will run from July 8 to July 22.