Flinders NT has launched new awards to celebrate the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who are going above and beyond their usual duties by providing vital support and mentoring to build the Northern Territory’s future health workforce.
Students in health disciplines complete placements each year that help them develop the competencies and skills required of their chosen careers, and may provide deeper insights into the practicalities, challenges and opportunities of the sector.
The Flinders NT Supervisor Recognition Awards have been developed to recognise those staff who put in considerable time and effort beyond their standard duties to supervise these students and help shape their futures – and the future of NT health.
These clinicians provide support, mentorship and education that are immensely valued by students during an unfamiliar experience which can be eye-opening and challenging.
Professor John Wakerman, Associate Dean, Flinders NT says: “The Northern Territory provides students on placement with an unrivalled, rich clinical experience that is facilitated by experienced nurse, allied health and medical supervisors. These committed practitioners make possible unique learning opportunities for students.
“We are very pleased to recognise their invaluable contribution to developing our future workforce.”
Research has shown that students who have a successful student placement are more likely to return to that place for employment once they complete their studies.
Flinders NT supports students across the Northern Territory including Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Darwin regions. In 2018 there were more than 500 students across all disciplines of allied health, nursing and medicine who completed their placements in the Northern Territory.
Student placement blocks vary from 3 weeks up to 10 weeks and for some disciplines, 6 months. In order to demonstrate learning and competency, students depend on a qualified nurse, allied health professional or doctor who must go above and beyond their normal duties to teach and support their development.
The new awards initiative will honour outstanding student supervision from within nursing, allied health and medicine under five awards:
- Outstanding Regional Supervisor
- Innovative Supervisor
- Inter-professional Collaborator
- Commitment to Clinical Teaching
- Territory Ambassador
Nominations for the inaugural 2018 awards will close on 26 October, with the awards ceremony to be held on Thursday afternoon, 22 November at the Flinders NT Royal Darwin Hospital campus. Book online to attend this free event.