In April 2017, as part of her third year Community Health placement, Michelle Mascorella was fortunate to spend two weeks in Nyirripi, a beautiful community 450km Northwest of Alice Springs.
Michelle describes her experience as being ‘beyond her wildest dreams’, filled with remote area nursing including late night call-outs as well as football grand finals, nearby bush fires, caring for joeys and gymnasium openings.
“Remote area nursing is diverse and deeply contextualised, caring for babies to adults, chronic to acute illnesses. Out there, affectionately known as the ‘middle of somewhere’ is a mix of ‘everything’ – taking and then spinning blood, dispensing and administering medication, removing splinters and complex wounds. As the ‘carrier pigeon’ of information between your client and the doctor, accurate assessment, concise documentation and clear communication skills are a must.
“For me this has been life-changing; there is a richness in this area of nursing, the relationships built with the people and their families is unlike anything I have, or expected to experience. My nursing skills were broadened and strengthened yet the experience gave so much more. Hence, without a moments doubt, I would recommend a remote placement to all nursing students!”
Find out more about student placements in Central Australia
Your University placement office can arrange a placement in Central Australia by contacting crh.placements@flinders.edu.au