Abstract
Background
Healthcare workforce shortages in rural and remote areas contribute to poorer access to services and worse health outcomes compared to other areas. The Australian Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program is designed to encourage the recruitment and retention of rural and remote health professionals by ‘supporting effective rural training experiences’ for health students. Flinders University works under this program to grow the numbers and quality of nursing and allied health placements in the Northern Territory (NT) through its University Department of Rural Health (UDRH). One of the indicators of intention to work in rural and remote areas is satisfaction with placements undertaken in such areas.
Methods
Cross-sectional survey to determine placement satisfaction and workplace intentions for students who have undertaken a placement longer than one week in the Northern Territory (2022-2024) and were registered with Flinders University UDRH.
Results
There were 242 completed responses from 1458 students (16.6%). Nursing students made up 36% of respondents. Respondents undertook placements in Alice Springs (36%), Darwin (34%), Katherine (14%), Nhulunbuy (7%) and Tennant Creek (8%). Majority of respondents were from Flinders University or Charles Darwin University and 6% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Almost all respondents (91%) were satisfied with their placement.
Of those who had had a previous metropolitan placement, 74% felt that their NT placement was better.
‘This placement was life changing and I would recommend every [discipline] student complete at least one remote placement. Additionally, Flinders made the transition so seamless with the car and accommodation and having a point of contact to call if needing support.’...Katherine placement student.
88% felt that they were able to meet the learning objectives of their placement with activities and resources provided. 81% were happy with their workplace supervision.
‘The hands-on experience in acute care, combined with [the supervisor’s] exceptional mentorship and the facilitators’ daily guidance, enriched my clinical skills and confidence. Working in a supportive team environment ... deepened my understanding of patient-centred care, making this placement an invaluable and transformative educational experience’...Alice Springs placement student
Prior to their placement in the NT, 55% had considered living and working in a remote location after graduation. After placement, this had increased to 81%.
‘.. come with the most open mind and heart. There will be challenging moments, but there will also be so many amazing opportunities, even just to explore nature outside of placement. Do all of this without judgement and challenge biases and assumptions that arise for you’. Katherine placement student
Although cultural training and exposure were not specifically mentioned in the survey, many students indicated this was a positive aspect to their placement and learning experience, especially if placed in a more remote setting.
Conclusions
Most nursing and allied health students were satisfied with NT placements supported by the UDRH. This satisfaction positively influences intention to practice in underserved areas.
Healthcare workforce shortages in rural and remote areas contribute to poorer access to services and worse health outcomes compared to other areas. The Australian Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program is designed to encourage the recruitment and retention of rural and remote health professionals by ‘supporting effective rural training experiences’ for health students. Flinders University works under this program to grow the numbers and quality of nursing and allied health placements in the Northern Territory (NT) through its University Department of Rural Health (UDRH). One of the indicators of intention to work in rural and remote areas is satisfaction with placements undertaken in such areas.
Methods
Cross-sectional survey to determine placement satisfaction and workplace intentions for students who have undertaken a placement longer than one week in the Northern Territory (2022-2024) and were registered with Flinders University UDRH.
Results
There were 242 completed responses from 1458 students (16.6%). Nursing students made up 36% of respondents. Respondents undertook placements in Alice Springs (36%), Darwin (34%), Katherine (14%), Nhulunbuy (7%) and Tennant Creek (8%). Majority of respondents were from Flinders University or Charles Darwin University and 6% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Almost all respondents (91%) were satisfied with their placement.
Of those who had had a previous metropolitan placement, 74% felt that their NT placement was better.
‘This placement was life changing and I would recommend every [discipline] student complete at least one remote placement. Additionally, Flinders made the transition so seamless with the car and accommodation and having a point of contact to call if needing support.’...Katherine placement student.
88% felt that they were able to meet the learning objectives of their placement with activities and resources provided. 81% were happy with their workplace supervision.
‘The hands-on experience in acute care, combined with [the supervisor’s] exceptional mentorship and the facilitators’ daily guidance, enriched my clinical skills and confidence. Working in a supportive team environment ... deepened my understanding of patient-centred care, making this placement an invaluable and transformative educational experience’...Alice Springs placement student
Prior to their placement in the NT, 55% had considered living and working in a remote location after graduation. After placement, this had increased to 81%.
‘.. come with the most open mind and heart. There will be challenging moments, but there will also be so many amazing opportunities, even just to explore nature outside of placement. Do all of this without judgement and challenge biases and assumptions that arise for you’. Katherine placement student
Although cultural training and exposure were not specifically mentioned in the survey, many students indicated this was a positive aspect to their placement and learning experience, especially if placed in a more remote setting.
Conclusions
Most nursing and allied health students were satisfied with NT placements supported by the UDRH. This satisfaction positively influences intention to practice in underserved areas.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2025 |
| Event | 10th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium: Research from the heart: Shaping rural and remote health futures - Alice Springs Convention Centre, Mparntwe, Australia Duration: 8 Oct 2025 → 9 Oct 2025 https://www.ruralhealth.org.au/10rrhss/ |
Conference
| Conference | 10th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Mparntwe |
| Period | 8/10/25 → 9/10/25 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- healthcare workforce
- staff retention
- staff shortages
- rural health
- remote health
- student placements