Nursing students find a home on King Island

As part of the Diploma of Nursing at TasTAFE, all students complete three phases of practical work experience in primary health, residential aged care and hospital settings.

The Diploma of Nursing is delivered at our Alanvale, Clarence and Devonport campuses, and as part of their practical work experience, students work in facilities across all corners of the state.

One of those corners is King Island.

In each delivery of the Diploma, there are a few lucky students who volunteer to put their skills to the test at the King Island District Hospital and Health Centre.

This is part of phase one of clinical placement, the students’ first clinical placement.  Phase one is an opportunity for students to engage in a multi-disciplinary health environment to support their learning and apply the skills and knowledge they have developed in the first phase of the Diploma of Nursing.

While the prospect of working somewhere as remote as King Island can be a little daunting for some, others seek out the experience to kick-start their career.

Kath was one of those students who put her name forward for the experience, saying it was exactly what she wanted.

“I wanted the experience. To experience a remote, rural multipurpose centre. Something out of the box- that’s where I want to work, thinking outside the box in emergency situations with more personalised care.”

Jackie was another student who volunteered, but as the placement approached was a little more nervous about it. She says those nerves did not last long on the Island.

“I was very nervous about going, Mark (Jackie’s Vocational Placement Coordinator at TasTAFE) made me feel at ease and made sure I knew he was only a phone call away. The staff at the hospital and nursing home treated me as part of the team from the first day until my last. I have made some lifelong friendships and cannot wait to go back to visit.”

Both Kath and Jackie said they were welcomed to the KIDH not as a student on work placement, but as a local and a member of the team.

“You’re made to feel part of a family. From the cleaners, to the staff in the kitchen, everyone had a vested interest in making your experience what it was. What you got out was what you put in. There was a great sense of camaraderie and everyone was rallying around you to make you feel welcome from as soon as you got off the plane” Kath explained.

Beyond the teamwork and community, both agreed that the practical experience and learning was second to none.

“Sian (Clinical Nurse Educator) was amazing with advice and learning opportunities through training. Dr Anne included me in all procedures she was involved in explaining what she was doing, why and how different procedures help”.

As the Clinical Nurse Educator, Sian’s primary role at the Hospital is to provide support to student nurses during their placements. Sian plays a unique role on King Island in helping students adapt to the work environment, and Kath said Sian’s help was one of the many factors that made the experience what it was.

“It has made me prioritise my studies so that I can pass and become a nurse, and I also now want to go on and become an RN. One day I would love the opportunity to go back to King Island, which not something I ever thought of”.