Highlands Regional College of Nursing
Highlands Regional College of Nursing was first established in early 1960’s as a Nurse Aide training school. Over the years it has conducted the Enrolled Community Health Program; Registered General Nurse Program and now conducts the Diploma of General Nursing.
The Diploma of General Nursing prepares graduates for first level nursing positions and ongoing employment in both rural and urban health care services in Papua New Guinea. Candidates who successfully complete the program will be eligible to apply for registration with the Papua New Guinea Nursing Council
Highlands Regional College of Nursing is associated with the University of Goroka and is working towards affiliation. The College is located at the Goroka General Hospital, so students gain their clinical experience in the wards and units there.
The College accepts Grade 12 school leavers who have achieved C or above grades in English, Maths, and two of the sciences, preferably Biology and Chemistry. The College is able to accept each year, 20 school leavers on HECAS and approximately 10 non-school leavers, self sponsored. Applications from School leavers come through the preferences given on the school leaver form. Non School leavers can apply directly to the College, using an application form available from the College. If the candidate meets the requirements, he/she will then be asked to sit the entrance tests (English, Mathematics, and General knowledge) which are held in October each year. Selection will then be based on results achieved in the entrance tests; results for Grade 12 or matriculation and references provided.
The three year program has a strong emphasis on community as well as hospital and there is some community experience each year.
Theory is conducted in a series of blocks, and covers: Fundamental Skills for Nursing Practice I & II; Health Science (Microbiology, Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology); Family and Child Health; Communication (including English and Information Technology); Healthy Living; Pharmacology I & II ( includes mathematics and nursing calculation); Context of Nursing; Health, Sociology, Psychology and Culture; Paediatric Nursing; Medical/ Surgical Nursing I & II; Women’s Health and Care of New Born I & II; Professional Issues in Nursing; Research in Nursing I & II; Mental Health and Mental Illness; Nursing Management and Leadership; Community Rural Health.
Clinical subjects include: Introduction to Nursing Practice I & II; Nursing Practice Paediatrics; Nursing Practice Med./Surg I & II; Community Family Health Services Practice; Nursing Practice Women’s Health I & II; Nursing Practice in Mental Health and Mental Illness; Nursing Management and Leadership covers theory and practice; Community Rural Health also covers theory and practice.
Accommodation is available on campus for HECAS students and some self sponsored students but is not enough for all students. Health care is available at the hospital; shops and banking facilities are available within walking distance or a short PMV drive.
Staff of the College include: Principal Sr Molly Marava; Deputy Sr Doris Emoto; eight tutorial staff; Registrar, librarian; two typists; cleaner, driver, mess supervisor, 4 cooks and a home supervisor. Visiting lecturers are available from the University and Hospital.
Philosophy Statement of the Program.
1. This program provides nurse graduates with a sound foundation to meet the health needs and act as professional members of the health care team. Nurses are at the forefront of the health care services thus need to become more responsive to societal needs and be capable of participating to achieve the goals of the National Health Plan 2001 to 2010 to improve the health status of Papua New Guineans
2. This program prepares nurse graduates as non-discriminatory professionals where all age groups, gender, religion, ethnic groups, social and economic status will receive the same level of nursing care specific to their needs and with great respect regardless of the nurses own opinions and beliefs.
3. The program further believes that nursing education is an ongoing process in which nurses continue to educate themselves both clinically and theoretically. The nurses must be self motivated and have the willingness to learn which will make them a life long learner. The nurse is responsible for self-professional development to further knowledge and skills to deliver health care services effectively and efficiently.
4. This program advocates for a positive health outcome through partnership with government sectors, churches, non-government organizations, corporate sectors and the community. (adopted for National Health Plan 2001 – 2010 Vol. 1).
Contact details for the College:
PO Box 1376
Goroka 441,
Eastern Highlands Province
Papua New Guinea
Phone: (675) 732 3246
Fax: (675) 732 2418
*** Application for Non School Leavers Form (PDF) can be downloaded by clicking anywhere here.