Twelve students from Good Shepherd Catholic College, and one from Spinifex Senior High School experienced life on the wards, in the Emergency Department and in theatre, debriefing every afternoon with Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery and Clinical Services, Michelle Garner.

“They had a mix of experiences, on rotation through the different wards, and even attended an imminent birth simulation,” Ms Garner said.

“We’re hoping some of these students will choose health work as a career, whether it’s nursing or midwifery, medicine, or allied health services. We love ‘growing our own’, and we can offer a great career pathway for graduates in the North West.”

Ms Garner said graduates who choose to work in the North West find they have a broader range of cases, and much more interesting cases than their colleagues in the metro areas.

“There are opportunities to work both in Mount Isa Hospital, or some of our more remote hospitals and health clinics, giving our graduates the chance to experience life in the outback and the medical and nursing challenges that go with rural and remote healthcare.”

Year 10 Good Shepherd student, Chayley Maschina, gowned up to observe a dental operation in theatre, said she thought the experience might lead to a career in health.

Next week, two more Spinifex High students will take on work experience at Mount Isa Hospital.