Next gen nurses benefit from clinical school first

Twenty-six Redcliffe and Caboolture TAFE nursing students are the first in Queensland to start a unique journey with Redcliffe Hospital, Community and Oral Health and TAFE Queensland (QLD).

The Redcliffe and Caboolture TAFE QLD Diploma of Nursing students are the first ever cohort to participate in the Urapun Clinical School of Nursing (CSON), and benefit from work placements at Metro North Health facilities.

Community and Oral Health Nursing Director Education Karen Lush said these students, who were aiming to become enrolled nurses, were the first in Queensland, if not the country, to be part of a unique training program that includes public health care placements for
Diploma of Nursing students.

“While Metro North Health has a long-standing Clinical School for Registered Nursing students through The Prince Charles Hospital and Australian Catholic University, this unique program is for students studying to become enrolled nurses through TAFE QLD,” she said.

“This training provides a new opportunity for these students to gain real world experience exclusively at Redcliffe Hospital and Community and Oral Health.

“This is a great kick start to their careers thanks to the unique partnership and forward thinking of Redcliffe Hospital, Community and Oral Health and TAFE QLD.”

The Urapun CSON students will complete a total of four clinical placements, with two placements at Redcliffe Hospital and two placements at Community and Oral Health facilities located across Moreton Bay and north Brisbane.

Redcliffe Hospital Nursing Director of Education Sharon Ragau said the students were welcomed into the school with an afternoon tea and badge ceremony which was attended by TAFE Nursing representatives, and a variety of Metro North Executives and staff.

“It was pleasing to see the realisation of a plan focused on enhancing workforce strategy and optimising student experiences,” she said.

“The name ‘Urapun’, meaning ‘one’, reflects the coming together of Redcliffe Hospital, Community and Oral Health, and TAFE QLD to establish a Clinical School of Nursing.”

Urapun is derived from the Torres Strait Kala Lagaw Ya Western Islands Language group.

Ms Ragau said the name of Urapun is also important as it reflects the concept of inclusion and unity with learners from the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Students benefit from hands-on experience across a diverse range of public healthcare settings, working with diverse patient populations, in high performing clinical teams.

“You cannot underestimate the importance of being immersed in organisational culture,” Karen said. “Students gain familiarity with consistent placement sites and facilitators who provide individualised guidance on their knowledge and skills.

“Our future nurses will have unique opportunities to be exposed to clinical specialties such as diabetes, wound, emergency care and other specialty clinics.”

Each year, Community and Oral Health (COH) provides more than 250,000 patient appointments or visits in the home, at oral health clinics, health facilities, mobile dental vans and bedded services, as well as to residents at the residential aged and disability care facilities.

For further Information about the Urapun Clinical School of Nursing please contact: Urapun.School@health.qld.gov.au