After recently being awarded the Northern Territory Administrator’s medal for Lifetime Achievement, Flinders’ health student placement organiser Heather Keighley spoke with us about her passion for working in the NT for more than 20 years.
What is your role here at Flinders?
I work in the health professional student placement program, helping with the placement of nursing and midwifery students to ensure a quality learning experience. I contribute to the development and support of our clinical supervisors and support other programs such as the Remote Health Practice programs.
What journey has brought you to Flinders?
My passion for education in general and the benefit of post-graduate study to our nursing and midwifery professions. In particular I believe in professional development as a life-long enterprise and of particular benefit to nurses and midwives working in the rural and remote health space. Flinders has been active and supportive of remote health practice excellence for over 20 years and has provided quality education and support for remote practitioners practising an expanded scope of practice over that time.
How did it feel to recently receive the Northern Territory Administrator’s medal for Lifetime Achievement?
It has been very exciting to be recognised by my peers and colleagues as deserving of this award. It has made me feel proud of my achievements and strengthens my ongoing advocacy for rural and remote nursing, midwifery excellence and well-supported remote health practice. The gala event was a fantastic celebration I shared with life-long colleagues and friends from across the NT, where I have worked in many settings and within many excellent teams.
What do you love most about your work?
I love working with my interdisciplinary team, a lovely group that shares a passion to strengthen support for students and stimulate interest in remote and rural practice. This work is often a life-changing experience, where you see and build learning that doesn’t occur anywhere else. It’s great working with students, to learn directly from them about what they need, what they enjoy, and to share my lifetime of rich experiences with them.
What is the first thing you tell people about your role?
Exploring rural and remote health practice is always fascinating and interesting if you are open to learning and approach it with humility. There’s nowhere else as challenging, interesting or as fulfilling. It doesn’t only make you a better clinician, but a better and more informed human being.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I love camping with my family, especially the grandkids. I love playing my piano and jamming with family and friends. I also enjoy reading and I’m usually studying something.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
We have two dogs called Charles Winston and Monty.