Aboriginal cadetship helps nurse Evie hit the ground running

Midwest nursing student Evie Rowland is getting a head start on her career with WA Country Health Service (WACHS), completing a student placement through the Aboriginal Cadetship Program.

The program offers Aboriginal university students the chance to gain paid work experience in a health setting, while studying for an undergraduate degree.

Now into her second year of a Bachelor of Nursing degree, Evie spends one day a week at Geraldton Health Campus working alongside senior nursing staff and receiving hands-on experience that Evie said is helping to extend her skills and knowledge.

“I first heard about the Aboriginal cadetship being offered by WACHS through my university,” Evie said.

“I’m so grateful WACHS has provided this opportunity for nursing students.

“I feel like it will encourage a lot more Aboriginal students to do nursing locally.”

The program gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and expertise and establish strong support networks while discovering what a career in country health can offer.

Evie said the senior nurses and educators at WACHS have helped her make the transition to learning in a fast-paced hospital environment.

As for her future, Evie says her time at the hospital has inspired her to seek opportunities to expand her skillset.

“I definitely want to work locally for a couple of years and get my confidence up, then I want to maybe go up north or even travel.”

To find out more: Aboriginal Cadetship Program (health.wa.gov.au)