Nursing students experience rural healthcare delivery in Gippsland
Sixteen Monash University nursing and midwifery students experienced working in Gippsland’s largest public hospital, Latrobe Regional Health, last month through a new rural placement opportunity.
The hospital has recently undergone a significant expansion, with updated ICU, emergency and medical surgical units and expanded maternity services opening earlier this year, to provide world-class facilities and care for Gippsland’s growing population across a 42,000 square kilometre catchment.
The three-week placements enabled students to experience healthcare delivery in a rural setting, where they were supported by clinical educators from Monash Rural Health. According to Director of Nursing and Allied Heath Partnerships, Dr Pam Harvey, rural health placements offer unique opportunities for nursing and midwifery students learning and skill development.
“Rural placements give students insight into the rural health context. They often see a broader range of patient care situations and learn about the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork. When students stay in the town where the placement occurs, they have a taste of what it’s like to live outside metropolitan areas. It enhances their understanding of the geographical area and opens their mind to the career opportunities on offer once they have completed their degree.”
Second-year nursing student, Ryley, applied for the placement looking for a challenge. He completed a mental health placement and found the rural experience broadened his perspective and skills.
“It’s been a great experience. I’ve learnt so much over the last three weeks and I’ve really been able to expand my clinical skills and problem-solving abilities. For any nursing students considering a rural placement, I’d one hundred per cent recommend it.”
Head of Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Julia Morphet, said rural placements are an important part of the School’s ethos in providing quality care for all.
“We are preparing our students to be the best nurses and midwives who will make a genuine and positive difference to their patients, their workplaces and in the world of healthcare. Ensuring our students experience healthcare delivery in a diverse range of settings is critical to this. I am grateful for our collaboration with Monash Rural Health and Latrobe Regional Health to offer these important educational opportunities.”