“ A student who is well prepared as to what to expect from a rural clinical placement, including a clear understanding of the placement goals and learning outcomes, is more likely to achieve a positive result” (Nancarrow, Moran, Lowe & Keane , 2013, p17).
It is important to adequately prepare a student for a rural and remote placement and this preparation should begin before the student leaves home. This section has resources that a clinical educator can use to identify the unique experiences their placement can offer, direct students to increase their knowledge about issues in rural and remote locations as well as a tutorial for students to help them prepare for their placement.
Once students are at the placement, it is necessary to orientate them to the service in which they will be working, the location and local facilities and the placement.
In this video, Sarah Jackson, Physiotherapist, Clinical Educator and North West Community Rehab Project Manager at the Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MICRRH) explains the orientation students receive on placement with MICCRH.
References
Health Education and Training Institute (2013), Models of Excellence: Clinical Training in Regional, Rural and Remote NSW, (www.heti.nsw.gov.au).
