GREaT program gives students hands-on-experience

Five Year 10 students had the opportunity to undertake the Get Real Experience and Try (GREaT) Nursing and Midwifery program at the Broome Hospital last week. The work placement gives students considering a career in midwifery or nursing an opportunity to get hands-on experience in a hospital setting. The students that took part during the week were rotated through different areas of the hospital including the emergency department, midwifery, paediatrics, community health, theatres and the general ward.

Some comments from the girls’ experiences:

‘It was an awesome experience being able to interact with babies, holding, burping and feeding them’ – Bonnie

‘It was really eye-opening seeing all the cuts and patients on laughing gas’ – Gemma.

‘It was an amazing experience to see what it’s like in all the different wards around the hospital’ – Tully.

‘We all had a great time with the staff and patients. I would definitely it all again’ – Amberley

‘My favourite experience out of this week of work experience was in maternity holding, feeding, changing and burping the babies. The whole experience has really motivated me to pursue a career in nursing’ – Emma

Sometimes young people disregard the option of nursing or midwifery based on preconceived, and often incorrect, ideas – usually based on what they see on TV. This program provides students access to observe nurses and midwives, who are highly educated health professionals, as they lead the care provided to patients.