July 30, 2025
Lutheran Services has included Kingaroy in a program to help fast-track third-year nursing students into careers in aged care in regional Queensland.
The clinical placement program has been pioneered in collaboration with the University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC) to provide Bachelor of Nursing students with final placement support.
UniSC student nurses Chirady Alquizar and Ivy Li are currently completing their eight-week placement at Orana in Kingaroy.
“My placement experience at Orana has been enjoyable and rewarding. I’ve felt well supported and valued,’’ Ms Alquizar said.
“The support from the team has helped me gain confidence in performing clinical tasks and I’ll take these positive experiences with me into my nursing career.
“Aged care nursing is something I am considering as I’ve always had an interest in working in the sector.
“This experience has shown me how rewarding aged care can be and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to really connect with the residents.’’
Lutheran Services regional manager Stephanie Wilson said the two-month intensive program was launched in 2022 as a pilot at Gympie’s Cooinda Aged Care.
It quickly expanded to other Lutheran Services’ sites.
“We are excited to now introduce the first two participants in the Transition to Practice Program to Orana Aged Care,” Mrs Wilson said.
“So far 63 graduates have completed their final placement with Lutheran Services and more than half have been employed as RNs at our aged care sites since our partnership with UniSC.
“Students are mentored by our team of highly skilled geriatric nurses and UniSC clinical facilitators and receive skills in dementia, fall prevention, end-of-life care and more to support residents with
complex needs.
“Upon completion of the program, the graduates will be ready for their registration as RNs and to join the workforce.’’
Lutheran Services is celebrating its 90th year of delivering aged care service in Queensland.
