St John WA shaping the nurses of tomorrow

St John Health’s Urgent Care has welcomed its first round of future nurses from the University of Notre Dame Australia on clinical placement.

The Clinical Facilitation Program offers an experience that raises the bar on nursing education to enrolled nursing students from the Australian Medical Association and registered nursing students from Curtin and now Notre Dame Universities.

During the placement they gain comprehensive exposure to diverse real-life primary healthcare situations at one of six St John WA metro-based health centres.

Students actively engage in patient care across urgent care, general practice, occupational health and caring for young and older patients.

Notre Dame nursing student Isha Rabadia is passionate about community care and said her placement at St John Urgent Care Osborne Park was her favourite prac so far.

“It was genuinely one of the most positive and memorable experiences I have had as a student,” Isha said.

“The opportunity to learn under the mentorship of such kind and knowledgeable nurses and doctors was a privilege.”

Clinical Support Nurse Jenny Love coordinates SJWA’s Clinical Facilitation Program and said it offers students a unique focus on clinical care within a supported environment.

“Our eight clinical facilitators and teams on the ground really put in the effort to provide a well-rounded experience,” Jenny said.

“Students get the chance to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations.”

Notre Dame Professional Practice Program Coordinator Chris Adam said the university was looking forward to continuing its partnership with St John WA.

“The Urgent Care centres are an amazing placement experience for our third-year students, with lots to see and do and to hone their assessment skills,” Chris said.

Find out more about St John Health’s Urgent Care clinics.