Lutheran Services expands nurse training program
The Lutheran Services Transition to Practice program will see 28 third-year nursing students complete aged care placements, the largest group to participate so far.
Not-for-profit aged care and community services provider Lutheran Services is expanding its clinical placement program with the University of Sunshine Coast to Orana Aged Care in Kingaroy.
The two-month intensive clinical placement program provides third-year Bachelor of Nursing students with clinical placement opportunities in regional Queensland before they receive their registration.
Initially launched as a pilot in 2022 at Lutheran Services’ Cooinda home in Gympie, the Transition to Practice Program has since been introduced to Immanuel Gardens on the Sunshine Coast, St Paul’s in Caboolture and Zion in Nundah.
Lutheran Services Regional Manager Stephanie Wilson said they are excited to introduce the Transition to Practice Program to another location and continue expanding the program.
“So far 63 graduates have completed their final placement with Lutheran Services and more than half have been employed as RNs at our aged care sites since our partnership with UniSC,” she said.
The first placements for 2025 begin in June, with 28 participants across five aged care homes – the largest cohort to date.
“Students are mentored by our team of highly skilled geriatric nurses and UniSC clinical facilitators and receive skills in dementia, fall prevention, end-of-life care and more to support residents with complex needs,” said Ms Wilson.
“Upon completion of the program, the graduates will be ready for their registration as RNs and to join the workforce.’’
Lutheran Services is always exploring innovative ways to enhance its efforts to attract and retain staff, Ms Wilson said.
“Aged care was once seen as being a place where RNs went to retire but this has changed. The sector is now recognised for providing quality career paths with opportunities for complex chronic disease management and supporting mental health issues with a holistic approach,” she said.
“Our graduates have told us they feel genuinely supported and embedded in Lutheran Services’ Model of Care and Service, that they then take on their own nursing journey.’’
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