Central Queensland University is leading the way for students to get a weekly dose of clinical experience, bridging the practice-theory gap.

The two days a week of clinical experience are embedded in theory and mentored by clinical associate lecturers.

CQU can now offer prospective students one of the best rates of clinical experience, at a time when other universities are slashing clinical hours.

CQU offers the Bachelor of Nursing via its Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Mackay campuses and via a collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Head of the School of Nursing & Health Studies, Dr Lorna Moxham said nursing’s move to the tertiary sector two decades ago had been criticised for producing graduates who were not as workforce-ready as industry would like.

“We listened - we re-wrote the curriculum with industry input - we re-wrote a new clinical model,” Dr Moxham said.

“Our new program has now been running for six months and students are really enjoying the added benefits that increased clinical exposure offers them,” she said.

“Our industry partners are working well and we continue to collaborate closely. I am personally writing a new course in close association with clinicians. Clinicians have evaluated the change in a positive sense and we are running more workshops for the associate lecturers clinical - again bridging the practice theory gap.” “Instead of eight weeks of theory followed by two weeks of prac, our students are now having prac every week of term (12 weeks) for two full days. This commences term two in year one.

“Our students are mentored and assessed by a clinical associate lecturer. This person is based in the healthcare facility, know the facility (which will enhance orientation, learning and problem solving) and will be committed to that facility.”.

Dr Moxham said the clinical associate lecturers were appointed in full partnership and collaboration with the facility.

“This is also a great selling point. Traditionally students were 'looked after' by facilitators who may have never even worked in the hospital or facility before.

“We will now have continuity and also a pathway for clinicians to be more involved with the University - linking us rather than the us-and-them approach which has always been there.” Dr Moxham said nursing is a professional degree and graduates are expected to hit the ground running.

“An increase in clinical hours which are totally embedded in theory will have to help,” she said.

Dr Moxham said the changes had wide-ranging support from health district managers to the Division of GPs.