Guiding the next generation of nurses at Blue Mountains Hospital
Clinical placements are a crucial part of every nursing student's journey, providing opportunities to build confidence, develop clinical skills and apply classroom learning in real-world healthcare settings.
At Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital, Clinical Educator Fiona Doherty makes this experience a positive and rewarding one for all university students on placement at the hospital.
Through her guidance, encouragement and commitment to nursing education, Fiona ensures students feel welcomed, supported and empowered as they become the next generation of nurses.
Fiona’s impact is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from students at the end of their placements.
One student shared, “Fiona is an amazing facilitator. She cares so much about the students. I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate everything she has done for me during this placement."
While another said, “Fiona was the most thorough facilitator I’ve ever had and I’m very grateful for her. She has taught me very valuable lessons.”
Fiona says the recognition she receives from students makes her very emotional.
“I've been in nursing 36 years and I'm very honoured to be a nurse. I feel very blessed to be able to play a small part in a student's nursing journey.”
“I think students know they're valued when on placement at Blue Mountains Hospital. It's not just a matter of them coming and ticking off the hours. They are valued. They have learning goals to complete. And they know that they may be challenged in their practice, but that's what nursing is.”
“In nursing, no two days are the same and we must be aware that the patient is the centre of all the care that we give. Empathy and compassion can make a difference, not only to the patient, but their relatives and carers as well,” says Fiona.
Clinical Educators, like Fiona, play a vital role in connecting universities, clinical teams and students, creating positive learning experiences that help shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Through her passion for nursing education, Fiona is helping to develop confident and compassionate nurses while reinforcing Blue Mountains Hospital's reputation as a place to learn, grow and deliver exceptional patient care.