A new employment pathway that allows nursing and midwifery students to work in frontline settings during their studies has been introduced into the Tasmanian health system.
The Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON) and Registered Undergraduate Student of Midwifery (RUSOM) models of employment is giving our nurses and midwives-in-training more experience on the frontline while they complete their studies and provide increased support for patient care.
The first six RUSONS to be employed through the model – who are also studying their Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Tasmania – commenced in paid positions at the Roy Fagan Centre earlier this year.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said introduction of the new model is supporting the Government's plan to boost frontline health workers as part of its broader workforce strategy.
"Not only is this new model benefiting our next generation of health workers but also providing better outcomes for our patients and staff.
"Undergraduates now have the opportunity to gain experience – under supervision – with a broader scope of practice, giving them the best chance for a smooth transition and greater confidence to hit the ground running as a nurse or midwife upon graduation.
"I'm pleased to welcome the first six student nurses under the model to placements at the Roy Fagan Centre, where they are working under the supervision of Registered Nurses to support patient care.
"I wish them all the best in their future careers.
"We're working hard to continue to grow this critical workforce as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future."
