Murdoch nursing student Bree gained invaluable regional healthcare experience through a Work-Integrated Learning placement with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, supporting patient care and retrievals across Western Australia.

Murdoch University nursing student Bree has completed an extraordinary Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), gaining invaluable experience in the delivery of healthcare across regional and remote Western Australia.

As part of her placement, Bree participated in patient care and retrievals throughout communities including Marble Bar, Nullagine, Paraburdoo, Meekatharra, Karratha, Newman and Cotton Creek. The placement provided exposure to a diverse range of clinical presentations, including motor vehicle accidents, pneumonia, hyperkalaemia, MRSA infections, multiple pelvic fractures and preterm labour. 

Reflecting on her experience, Bree described the variety and scope of cases she encountered, while also sharing one particularly memorable moment—a night retrieval to Cotton Creek where the team first had to ensure that no cows were on the runway before landing.

Experiences such as these demonstrate the importance of Work-Integrated Learning in preparing nursing students for professional practice. While much of the impact of nursing education occurs beyond the classroom, placements provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, building confidence, capability and professional identity. 

Murdoch University is proud to partner with healthcare organisations across Western Australia to provide students with transformative learning experiences that support their development as future healthcare professionals.