Operating for over two years, the University of Southern Queensland Charleville nursing node has helped students learn in the regions and then stay to share their skills.
In collaboration with Southern Queensland Rural Health, Southwest Hospital Service and Charleville State High School, the node provides an end-to-end service, with student nurses offered a Registered Nurse position on completion of their training.
University clinical education lecturer and program coordinator Jessica Elliott said keeping nurses in the Southwest was important.
“It’s no secret that the nursing workforce is an ageing nursing workforce,” Ms Elliott said.
“And unfortunately, the rural and remote space isn't immune to this.
“This program specifically targets the rural and remote workforce by contributing to it.
“It’s really important to keep locals local and try to grow our own.”
In this program, the students conduct their studies externally, completing all theory-based learning online before attending a mandatory residential school. The students will then travel to the SQRH Charleville Clinical Training Facility to continue their work.
“And this is where the University brings the teaching to them,” Ms Elliott said.
“It’s my responsibility as the program coordinator to provide this support to them.
“And when they complete their clinical placements, we try to make sure these are in the southwest community because we know it’s important to be as close to family as possible.”
Cass Campbell is one of the nursing students currently completing her studies through the Charleville node.
“The program has helped me step up and follow my dreams of becoming a registered nurse,” Ms Campbell said.
“It makes a big difference being able to stay home and study without doing all that excess travel.
“My favourite part of nursing in the Southwest is the community is very supportive and encouraging of this.
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Megan Glasgow is another enrolled nursing student who is local to the area.
“I am a mother to three young children whom I am often the sole carer as my partner works away a lot,” Ms Glasgow said.
“Without the University bringing this opportunity to me, my dream of being a Registered Nurse would not have been possible.”
