Bush nursing a big hit with students 

 
 
Final year nursing student Jonathon Hardwick is put to the test resuscitating and stabilising an infant at the training day

Charles Darwin University (CDU) nursing students have travelled to Alice Springs to experience their first taste of remote area nursing.

Around 20 final year Bachelor of Nursing students from interstate joined locals battling the sun, flies and heat to take part in activities typical of those faced by “bush” nurses.

They later retired to a campfire for some typical Northern Territory hospitality.

Christine Davey, senior lecturer in Nursing said the day brought together all the skills learnt by the students in a real life environment.

“It puts them in situations where they have to make do with what they have,” she said.

An ambulance and mannequins created a real life emergency scene at Undoolya Hill, on the outskirts of the town.

Melbourne-based student Jonathon Hardwick said the day helped him to prepare for his new role at the Indigenous community of Hermannsburg an hours drive from Alice Springs.

“To be able to do this rather than spend another day in the classroom is an awesome experience as I can see where my training is put into practice,” he said.

Robyn Aitken, academic leader in Acute Care Nursing said the day helped to show line emergency and assessment, and management of injured patients.

“Even if the nurses aren’t working in the front line, they realise the challenges of stabilising a patient in this environment,” she said.

Robyn and Christine extended their thanks to the Centre of Remote Health and the Alice Springs Hospital for their use of an ambulance and mannequins for the day.