Innovative program supports nursing students to transition from university to the workplace
Launched today, the Undergraduate Student Assistant in Nursing (AIN) is an innovative new program which provides students with the ability to work in a healthcare environment whilst completing their studies.
The University has partnered with South Western Sydney, Western Sydney, and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health Districts to bring the program to life.
Professor Jane Frost, Interim Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, said not only does the program give students more exposure to clinical environments but it has the potential to increase job readiness and strengthen workforce retention within the Local Health Districts.
“Providing students with opportunities to work in real healthcare settings alongside their studies can foster a sense of belonging to the clinical environment while also enhancing their learning experience,” said Professor Frost.
“Familiarity with both the staff and site-specific processes may improve their transition to full-time practice and encourage long-term retention and engagement.”
Students undertake two shifts per week as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN), with roles and responsibilities growing as they progress through their studies.
The program is open to nursing students in their second and third year of study, allowing students to progress throughout their degree while gaining additional real-world experience.
The program differs from apprentice models as the roles are discrete but complementary and provide additional health care experience and exposure during university study.
“This gives students not only paid employment in a relevant area in parallel to their study, but the space to learn about the profession in the classroom and experience the workplace, not just in a placement capacity, while gaining a university level qualification,” said Professor Frost.
The first round of recruitment took place in mid-2024 and Bachelor of Nursing student, Rhiana Stockill, is one of the first to have trialled the experiential program in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District working within a rehabilitation ward.
“Not only did I gain valuable insight into what it's like to work in a healthcare setting as part of a multidisciplinary team, but I also had the opportunity to be part of a supportive environment that really encouraged my learning and growth.”
“The experience has made me feel more confident about starting my nursing career - it will be less of a shock when I transition into full-time work.
“Having the chance to stay on a ward for an extended period gave me time to settle into a routine and strengthen my clinical knowledge. That consistency helped me focus on improving key skills like time management, communication, teamwork and routine nursing tasks, which are so important in practice.
“It also helped with my studies as I could use what I’ve learnt at work to complement in class learning and assignments.”
The program was conceptualised by the Local Health District Directors of Nursing and Midwifery and Professor Deborah Hatcher, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Development.
“Professor Hatcher’s leadership was crucial to the development of this program, which is now empowering our nursing students and helping meet the healthcare needs of our growing region,” said Professor Frost.
ENDS
28 May 2025
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