Bachelor of Physiotherapy rural placement

My placement was  at Korumburra Hospital, a small public rural hospital that forms a part of Gippsland Southern Health Service. The experience was described as 'mixed', and I did a huge variety of things. I worked with clients with a variety of presentations on the inpatient ward, as well as outpatient settings, pulmonary rehabilitation groups, cardiac rehab groups, and hydrotherapy groups.

I think the main highlight was the variety in the placement - I worked with such a range of presentations across a mix of settings that I was constantly learning and having to adapt my mindset on the fly.

I was extremely lucky to be staying at a friend's property in Inverloch, so I went for regular stand up paddleboarding and beach walks when the weather was nice! I also formed a contact at the local women's footy team, the Bass Coast Breakers, and trained with the team every week for the duration of the placement. They were super welcoming and talented and getting to know them was a highlight of the experience.

For those considering a rural placement, I would advise absolutely do it!! Engaging in the local community and lifestyle isn't something you can really do in a metro placement, and the smaller rural hospitals offer you huge variety in client presentations. As a learning experience, I gained so much valuable clinical knowledge and experience from excellent supervising clinicians.

Support for Nursing and Allied Health rural placements

Bachelor of Physiotherapy