Indigenous nursing students in Western Australia are being supported through their studies and into the workforce, thanks to a new program from Ramsay Health Care.
As part of Ramsay’s national undergraduate cadetship program, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student nurses will be able to undertake their clinical nursing placements at the group's hospitals.
Ramsay’s Chief Nurse and Clinical Services Director, Dr Bernadette Eather, said the initiative helped to develop leading nurses and midwives of the future.
“The program will support our student nurses in obtaining their qualifications, through providing them with valuable hands-on clinical experience, support and supervision.
“The student nurses will also have the opportunity to be employed in a Ramsay facility as an assistant in nursing, midwifery, personal care assistants or in a support service role," she said.
“On completion of their cadetship, students will have the opportunity to apply for the Ramsay Graduate Program where they choose to develop in a range of areas, including operating suites, maternity, mental health, cardiac services and rehabilitation.”
Healthcare training provider Ausmed will give the student nurses access to more than 1,200 educational resources on its app and help with their travel expenses.
Ramsay will also support the cadets with the equipment they need for their role as nurses, along with the help of supplier eNurse.
Indigenous student nurses will be placed at Perth's Joondalup Health Campus (JHC) with Marr Mooditj TAFE, an organisation which provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with the opportunity to access high-quality training and assessment services.
Cadets are also being recruited for Hollywood Private Hospital, Glengarry Private Hospital and Attadale Rehabilitation Hospital.
JHC Aboriginal Liaison Coordinator Katy Raftery said the students brought a wealth of experience with them.
“We understand and value what the cadets will bring to patients’ health and wellbeing, both clinically and culturally, including the opportunity to increase the Aboriginal workforce and strengthen culturally responsive practice,” she said.
JHC's CEO, Dr Amanda Ling, said it was important to provide diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workforce.
“A diverse workplace improves productivity, innovation and customer service. This aligns with our goal to provide the best possible health outcomes for our patients,” she said.
The undergraduate cadetship program is part of Ramsay's Nursing and Midwifery Academy, which aims to provide a comprehensive professional pathway, developing and mentoring its members to upskill and excel in their careers.
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