Media releases

New data shows the important role that Federation University Australia’s nursing students have played in helping to ease pressure on Victoria’s health system.

Data compiled by the university shows a 75 per cent increase over 12 months in placement hours for Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery students in a hospital, aged care home or clinic.

The students undertook 614,330 placement hours in 2021 in health facilities in places such as Ballarat, Melbourne, Geelong, and the Wimmera – up from 350,380 placement hours in 2020. 

Federation Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley said their placement work had eased pressure on the health system by freeing up nurses to focus more on treating patients with serious ailments, including COVID-19.
He said he was proud that the students were able to contribute in such an important way during the pandemic and believed the experience they had gained would be invaluable.

The rise in placement hours also reflects an increase in those undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery at Federation, which will help to address a skills shortage in the sector.

Students are required to undertake 800 clinical hours (100 days) of placement to meet their accreditation requirements to become a nurse. 

Federation international student, Jatin Aggarwal, commenced a Bachelor of Nursing after completing Year-12 and is currently in his third year.

Jatin has felt the pressure and need for nurses during the pandemic but is grateful to be in a job that is in demand and is helping others in tough times.

Support has been given to students undertaking placement to deal with the additional pressures, including work permits to travel around Victoria during lockdowns and N95 face mask fitting and testing.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley
“The data shows the important role that we are playing in helping to ease pressure on our health system.”
“Our students are not only learning invaluable skills in the workplace but are also alleviating pressure on existing nurses by assuming some of their normal duties during placement.”
“We are focussed on ensuring our graduates spend as much time as possible in the workplace during their studies, so that they are highly sought after and valuable employees from day one.”

Quotes attributable to Federation University student, Jatin Aggarwal
“Nursing is the most satisfying job. When I finish my shift, it creates a sense of peace in my mind; that I learnt enough and helped someone in their tough times.”
“COVID has put pressure on nurses, but it is good for new ones entering the sector as these conditions will make them professional and manage time more efficiently.”