Date: November 2025
Location: Kingaroy Hospital ED
University: Queensland University of Technology
Field of Study: Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)

What did you enjoy most about your rural placement?

The exposure to everything! I was able to be involved in an extensive variety of patient presentations. I learnt so much and was able to learn from the amazing ED and rural generalist nursing and medical staff. The entire team was incredibly welcoming and eager to get me involved in everything.

Would you recommend a rural placement to other students? Why?

Absolutely - I wish I had gone rural earlier! You truly become part of the town, getting to know everyone and caring for a range of patients. You get the privilege of being able to be exposed to everything from managing critically unwell patients being retrieved to Brisbane to supporting someone to return to their home. Especially in the remote areas, you get this amazing breadth of exposure without losing the depth that you would get on a specialist ward in the cities.

What are your top tips for students considering a rural placement?

Firstly, just go for it! Going rural has been the best part of my studies.

Secondly, get involved in the community and your team. Go to those local community events, do that bike ride around the region on your day off, go find that random cafe that makes the best coffee in the area.

And finally, make sure to give it your all. Especially out rural where there is so much that is going on, whatever you put into your placement, you will get back.

Did you stay in SQRH accommodation or have interaction with SQRH staff?

Yes - at both St George and Kingaroy. In St George I was able to attend a wonderful interprofessional practice workshop with local nursing and allied health staff. In both places, I also was able to stay at SQRH accommodation - without this accommodation, I wouldn't have been able to go rural and would never have gone on to accept a graduate position at Kingaroy.