Clinical Placement for Nursing students

We work closely with our industry partners in private and public hospitals, GP clinics, aged care and mental health facilities, to provide you with practical experience across various settings and in your chosen field.

What is a clinical placement in the Bachelor of Nursing?

Nursing placements give you the opportunity to put theory into practice, applying what you learn in the classroom to a clinical setting. Using your knowledge in a training environment, you will undergo hands-on learning, gaining new skills and improving your understanding of different areas of practice. Equally, you will apply what you learn from each placement to your coursework. As they form part of your Nursing degree, you will be assessed on each nursing placement. Your Clinical Placement Coordinator will organise your placements and take care of any admin or requirements such as insurance.

How many hours of placements do student nurses do in Australia?

During our three-year course, you will complete a total of 800 hours of clinical placements. In your first year, you’ll perform 80 hours, followed by 160 hours in the second year and 560 hours in your third year.

Are you paid during a clinical placement?

Nursing placements are part of the course requirements, just like attending lectures, although you’re learning in a clinical setting rather than a classroom. So as an essential component of your studies, the placements are unpaid.

What do you need for a Bachelor of Nursing placement?

Clinical placements are attached to the core subjects in our Bachelor of Nursing degree. In your first two years of study, placements are offered in the following subjects: Care of Persons with Chronic Conditions, Care of the Person with an Acute Illness and Primary Healthcare in the Community. In your third year, placements are offered as part of these five subjects: Clinical Practice, Mental Healthcare, Complex Care, First Line Intervention and Professional Practice Capstone. You must pass these core subjects each year to qualify for placements in the more advanced subjects. You will also need to meet the mandatory requirements for a police check. Your Clinical Placement Coordinator will provide more information.

What happens during a nursing placement?

In the clinical placement you’ll apply your academic learnings to real-world nursing practice. Working in a variety of clinical settings, you will care for patients with acute and chronic conditions. This will give you the opportunity to develop your technical abilities as well as your skills in communicating and listening to patients, assessing their needs, and providing patient-centred care.

How do you get through a Bachelor of Nursing placement?

Your lecturers will work with you in class so that you’re thoroughly prepared for your placement. Plus, you will have already studied the clinical field in advance. At the training facility, you will be placed under the supervision of a facilitator or a senior staff member. You might also be partnered with a nurse or healthcare worker. This means that throughout your placement, you will always be fully supported by experienced professionals who can answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way.

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Clinical placements give you the chance to practice in a variety of healthcare settings, building practical skills and broadening knowledge. You’ll gain genuine insights into the diverse Nursing career pathways available to you when you graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing.