Having commenced and now working on St Elizabeth Ward, Kaylea tells her story about how she went from placement to permanency through the program and what she found most beneficial about the partnership opportunity.
The Murdoch University partnership placement program was a unique opportunity offered to my cohort during my second year of nursing studies at Murdoch University. This program allowed a select few students to complete their placements within St John of God Murdoch Hospital across multiple specialties, including the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.
I liked the idea of the continuity and stability that St John of God Health Care was offering, combined with their commitment to their core values. I also had some amazing lecturers at Murdoch University, who are caregivers at St John of God Murdoch Hospital, and their passion, knowledge and expertise was inspiring.
The best thing about completing the majority of my placements at Murdoch was the stability and continuity, especially studying throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Being familiar with the hospital, and the St John of God Murdoch Hospital documentation and processes allowed me to focus on making the most of my placements each time.
I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to participate in this partnership. This opportunity allowed me to experience the ‘Murdoch culture’, and I knew from day one that this was where I was supposed to be. The culture at St John of God Murdoch Hospital is like no other.
The exposure and experience from the program has been invaluable. Everyone warns you the transition from student to registered nurse is challenging, and being familiar with St John of God Murdoch Hospital made this transition feel less overwhelming. I am now in my first year of the St John of God graduate nursing program, and I love it!
To those who have an interest in pursuing nursing, it’s never too late. As a mature aged student, I only wish I had started sooner. I highly recommend the partnership, especially if you plan to continue a career with St John of God Health Care.
