SQRH Toowoomba and Charleville staff have organised several Observational Placement Programs for UQ first year nursing students, finding the feedback overwhelmingly positive.

Interprofessional Practice Co-ordinators Toni Murray and Nicola Cotter said the programs are designed to give nursing students exposure to the diversity of practice in rural nursing.

“The students in Toowoomba toured a range of services including Toowoomba Hospital, Lifeflight, Queensland Ambulance Service (Fairview Station), Beauaraba Living, Base Services and St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital Cancer Care Centre.

“At Charleville the students saw behind-the-scenes at Charleville Hospital, RFDS Charleville base, QAS, Deadly Choices program and had a meeting with the Murweh Shire Council Mayor and staff,” they said.

At both locations students had time to see local tourist attractions and fun activities.
Student comments:

“I enjoyed the really engaging and interesting places we went that we may not have had the chance to see normally within nursing.”

“The observational placement was stimulating and interesting. Attending this observational placement has enlightened me to so many different career paths as a nurse.”

“I loved the group collaboration at every activity and experiencing all the different areas of health. I wish it had been longer.”

“I really enjoyed seeing so many different aspects of not just rural health but also health as a whole and learning about so many ways professionals communicate with each other for situations.”

“The breadth of exposure to rural nursing experiences was quite breathtaking! This placement showcased the diversity of exciting, satisfying career paths available.”