Help shape the next generation of nurses by hosting a UniSC student placement
General practice plays a critical role in preparing the future nursing workforce. By hosting a nursing student placement, practices can support the development of emerging clinicians while gaining fresh perspectives and building capability within their own teams.
Support future nurses while strengthening your practice
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Bachelor of Nursing Science program prepares future registered nurses to deliver safe, compassionate and evidence-based care across a variety of healthcare settings. Students develop clinical skills, professional judgement, communication capabilities and a strong understanding of person-centred care throughout their studies.
General practice placements provide students with invaluable real-world experience in primary healthcare, helping them understand the important role practices play in supporting community health. At the same time, hosting students can offer benefits for practices by creating professional development opportunities for nursing staff and introducing contemporary knowledge and fresh perspectives into the workplace.
What does hosting a student involve?
Placements typically see students working alongside a registered nurse and collaborating with the broader practice team. First-year students require direct supervision, ideally from a dedicated registered nurse, while more senior students can take on greater responsibilities under appropriate supervision. Practices generally host between one and four students, depending on staffing capacity and placement availability.
Support is available throughout the placement period from UniSC clinical facilitators to ensure both students and practices have a positive experience.
Helping students develop essential practice skills
Through placement opportunities in general practice, nursing students can:
Build professional practice foundations through safe, ethical and culturally responsive care.
Strengthen communication, teamwork and collaboration skills.
Develop clinical assessment and patient care capabilities.
Gain experience in wound management, medication administration, ECGs and clinical handovers.
Enhance clinical decision-making and readiness for professional practice.
By providing placement opportunities, practices help shape a skilled, confident and sustainable nursing workforce ready to meet the evolving needs of Queensland communities.
Interested in becoming a placement partner?
Practices interested in hosting nursing students or learning more about placement opportunities can contact Karen Betony, Associate Clinical Educator (Nursing), on 07 5456 5539 or via email at [email protected].
Call to action: Help build the future of nursing and primary healthcare by becoming a student placement partner with UniSC.