A new partnership between CQU and the Friendly Society Private Hospital is enabling university students to gain access to clinical knowledge and skills in a hospital environment during their three years of tertiary studies.

The new curriculum for the undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing Program now includes a greater emphasis on clinical practice.

Students are gaining experience in healthcare organisations midway through their first-year and students in their second-year are practicing their skills in a range of diverse real clinical environments two days per week.

Third-year nursing students undertake intensive clinical placements in specialty areas to facilitate the transition from university to the workplace.

Deb Smith has been appointed Associate Lecturer to coordinate student learning within the Friendly Society Private Hospital. The role involves providing clinical support and assessment of student performance.

Ms Smith is a positive role model for students. She has experience in general, medical/surgical mental health, and cardiac nursing. She is also a midwife with experience as a women’s health practitioner.

As quality patient care is the primary focus for the hospital, the more time students can spend in the real-life environment honing their skills and applying their knowledge, the sooner they feel confident as qualified professionals.

The Friendly Society Private Hospital values education and professional development and sees the partnership as mutually beneficial to students and the organisation. For details: Lorna Maike, 4153 0731 or 0408 708 150.

Photo (courtesy the News Mail): Associate Lecturer Deb Smith (in white) showing students the Coronary Care Unit at the Friendly Society Private Hospital. They are (left to right) Mahkaylia Walsh, Lyndsay Weston, Emma Weder and Richard Wright.