Gwendolyn Gorogo and Genevieve Smith took their nursing skills to the next level on a unique placement in Borroloola thanks to the QUT Garawa Nursing Scholarship.
The support third year Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander nursing students studying at QUT to undertake a clinical placement in rural Northern Territory.
Far removed from the city location of QUT, the remote community of Borroloola is a seven hour drive from Katherine and has a population of around 900 people.
During her placement in this community, QUT nursing student Gwendolyn Gorogo found a calling in remote nursing.
“It has been really hands-on – I’ve gained so much knowledge and it’s helped me to build confidence in my nursing practice,” Ms Gorogo said.
“The nursing staff at Borroloola Health Centre really want to teach you, and really want to help you.”
Ms Gorogo found the scope of roles in regional communities was so broad it gave her the opportunity to gain skills from those who are dedicated to supporting the community.
“I’d encourage any nursing students or nurses with an interest in remote health care to give a placement a go.
“After I graduate, I’m motivated to give back and provide care for those who live in isolated areas,” Ms Gorogo said.
QUT nursing student Genevieve Smith found the experience she gained working in Borroloola to be a huge shift from her experience in hospitals in the Brisbane metro area.
“The sense of community has been heart-warming. I’ve meet people, seen things and done things that I would never have the opportunity to do in a big city,” Ms Smith said.
“I applied for the Garawa Nursing Scholarship as I thought it would be the perfect stepping stone to start building a career in remote nursing while still under the university’s wing.
“Over just a few weeks, there have been so many amazing learning opportunities – from being paired up with nursing staff for the day to jumping in the car to deliver medicines and provide home care in the community.”
Ms Smith said the placement had taught her some of the key characteristics that make a great remote area nurse, such as being adaptable, a willingness to learn and work within a large scope of practice and, above all, a want to genuinely help the community.
“The nurses at the Borroloola Health Centre are amazing – they have great rapport with the community and know so many people by name,” Ms Smith said.
“When one family member comes to the health centre, you end up also treating others, because you get to have a yarn about their children, aunties and uncles.
“That connection is what helps create better health outcomes.”
QUT provides Work Integrated Learning opportunities as part of its commitment to real-world learning and support for the future health needs of the communities it serves.
QUT acknowledges the support of Northern Territory Health who facilitate the collaboration of interstate students with their regional health workforce.
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