ECU Nursing student Isobel Chamberlain and SwanCare resident Pat.
ECU prepares more nursing and midwifery students for careers in health than any other WA university, including first year nursing student Isobel Chamberlain who’s on the rise to a bright career.
We heard about the success of Isobel's learning journey from SwanCare, where she completed her practical placement. SwanCare told us when they were filming a corporate video, one of their aged care residents asked if Isobel could be in the video with them, as they could not speak highly enough of the quality of her nursing care.
Inspired to become a nurse
Isobel is currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at ECU and is about to complete her second semester.
Having experienced being a patient in hospital and seeing what a difference nurses can make to people's lives, is what inspired Isobel to study nursing.
"I've always had a passion for being involved in the medical industry. I love the fact there are endless opportunities and specialities to work in," she said.
Taking it in strides
As part of her nursing degree, Isobel did a 3-week practical placement at one of SwanCare's aged care centres and absolutely loved it.
"I went in with a completely open mind, willing to try anything, and I felt I really thrived in the clinical environment," she said.
"I really learned that you get what you put in, so it was very important to me to be proactive, ask as many questions as possible and try to get the most hands-on experience."
Experiencing the realities of aged care
The practical placement at SwanCare allowed Isobel to get hands-on experience within the field, experiencing the realities of working in aged care and the enjoyment of working as a nurse.
"Something that was really confronting for me was to see many residents in their last stages of life and care was just making them comfortable and at peace," Isobel said.
"What I found most enjoyable was getting the full experience of what it is like to work as a nurse.
"The residents have the most incredible stories to share. My favourite thing about this prac has been getting to know them and hearing about their inspiring life experiences. It was impressive to hear first-hand about historic events, such as the war."
Advice to placement students
Practical placements at university are a great way to gain experience in the field, Isobel shares some advice to students about to undertake placements.
"Be proactive and ask as many questions as possible and even if there are tasks outside your scope of practice, go and watch and see as much as possible even if you haven't learnt about it yet," she said.
"If there is training or professional development, attend it if you get the opportunity. Even though you may feel dumb and like you don't understand anything that is being said, one day in the future it will click, and you will already have an understanding the more challenging skills and procedures.
"You get as much out of placement as you put in, so try and make it the most positive and worthwhile experience while you’re still a student."
Next steps
Whilst Isobel has a while to go in her degree, she's open minded about gaining as much experience as she can through ECU's practical placements with healthcare providers.
"I really want to go into all my placements with an open mind. As to what area I want to work in in the future, however, specialising in perioperative nursing really interests me."
Find out more about ECU’s Bachelor of Science (Nursing) and its possibilities here.
