Cadetship program strengthens Aboriginal nursing workforce in Far West LHD

The NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship and Cadetship Program supports growth and retention of Aboriginal nurses and midwives working in the public health system, through financial assistance, paid employment, mentoring and employment pathways.

The FWLHD Bachelor of Nursing graduates recently completed their three-year cadetship at Broken Hill Health Service, where they received structured mentoring, paid clinical placements and additional financial assistance to support their academic studies.

Tamara Thomas and Justin Wonson credit the program not only for helping them prepare professionally, but also for its strong focus on cultural connection and the delivery of culturally safe care on Country.

Ms Thomas said the support she received through the cadetship program along with encouragement from colleagues and friends was instrumental in enabling her to complete her nursing degree.

Ms Thomas worked as an Assistant in Nursing at the Broken Hill Hospital, prior to commencing the cadetship and said the opportunity proved pivotal to her success.

“It’s an amazing pathway, and it made the process of becoming qualified so much easier,” said Ms Thomas.

“It gives you hands-on experience on the floor, which I believe made a big difference to my learning and ultimately to finishing my degree.”

Ms Thomas said long-time career goals include critical care nursing, post graduate midwifery and eventually flight nursing in rural and remote communities. She is also passionate about working alongside primary health and multipurpose service teams to support and strengthen community-based care.

Justin Wonson said the cadetship’s strong emphasis on allowing mob to remain on Country was particularly important to him.

“This is where I want to take my career eventually,” Mr Wonson said.

“I think if you get into the schools and get to the younger generation who are interested in nursing, and show them there’s a pathway where they can stay on Country, that’s how the program is going to grow.”

Originally from a truck driving background, Mr Wonson said the cadetship was a huge help.

“It was extra help for me and nursing was a big change and whilst doing the program, I saw the opportunity to be able to grow out in the far west, to keep mob on Country.”

Mr Wonson said he is looking forward to his graduate year and the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience whilst continuing to learn and develop professionally.

FWLHD Director Aboriginal Health and Community Relations, Corina Kemp, said the cadetship program is creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal people to train and work on Country.

“One of the biggest barriers for our mob has been the lack of local opportunities,” said Mrs Kemp.

“By offering cadetships and training cadets locally, we are helping to maintain strong connections to community whilst creating sustainable employment pathways for our people. From my perspective that’s a huge achievement.”

Mrs Kemp said the FWLHD is proud to support a range of pathways including cadetships, apprenticeships and traineeships that enable Aboriginal people to build careers in healthcare while remaining connected to Country and community.

FWLHD Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Wendy Gleeson, said the Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship program has been highly successful and plays an important role within the Far West LHD.

“The program creates greater access and opportunity for Aboriginal people to pursue careers as Registered Nurses or Midwives,” said Ms Gleeson.

“We’re very proud of the clinical placements and the comprehensive support we’re able to provide locally. Studying remotely can present significant challenges, and this program offers additional layers of support that help students succeed and access opportunities that may not otherwise be available.”

Ms Gleeson said Tamara and Justin had been outstanding representatives of the program.

“We congratulate them on their achievements and wish them every success as they continue their careers with Far West LHD.”

Tamara and Justin have taken up positions in Broken Hill and Wentworth this year and further cadets are expected to complete their training in FWLHD over the next couple of years.

For more information visit: NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetships