Getting experience under your belt in any job is important to build confidence and productivity, and the same goes for anyone entering the healthcare sector.
But for those getting into the industry on the Sunshine Coast have an added advantage, and that’s not only simulated situations, but also real-world experience that is priceless in giving students a head start in their chosen field of health.
The Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) is a joint venture between the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, the University of the Sunshine Coast, Griffith University and TAFE Queensland. It is a dedicated training and research facility that replicates, as close as possible, the kinds of situations that are happening just metres away at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
Clare Hanlon is the Director at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute and believes that you can’t put a price on learning work skills in a life-like health care environment.
“The training organisations work collaboratively at SCHI, and design education programs that allow the students to train just like they will work, and that is what the students sign up for,” Ms Hanlon said.
“The exciting part of SCHI is that it is attached to the hospital, and we have such amazing facilities in that anything we have in a training environment mirrors what they would see in a real hospital or health care environment.
“Giving them the opportunity to practise their skills in that environment builds confidence. For example - inserting a needle or getting someone out of a bed, we can set up those scenarios. The best thing is it’s not just students, but Queensland Health staff who come here for training, and you’re working alongside people that you may eventually be working with.
“Giving them that experience is what’s exciting and really prepares you for a healthcare role, in a safe, supportive environment.”
Research is another part of what SCIH does, and is actively conducting healthcare-related research, and this can also lead to other opportunities and skill sets.
“There’s so much more to a career in health, you can’t run a service with finances, administration, ward staff, and human resources. IT and Digital Health is another fast-growing industry in healthcare, with a big focus on digital health services. Healthcare runs smoothly because all these roles rely on each other,” Clare added.
We know there is a worldwide shortage of healthcare workers, and we need more people to join us in healthcare in the next few decades to meet the growing population.
“This is a career that can take you anywhere in the world. I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years and done so many different jobs. That’s what keeps things exciting and makes me want to stay in the industry. I’ve worked in rural and regional areas, and you don’t have to just stay in your lane.
“Being part of such a large workforce like Queensland Health can open a world of possibilities. Moving into the future we need to think differently, be innovative, and I find that so exciting. We are always following evidence-based practice to improve and expand healthcare service delivery for our community.”
SCHI has a Career Day every year, to show the facilities to those who may be keen on a career in healthcare. This year they will be hosting it on the 14th May 2024 for local schools, as well as a careers evening for community members.
“You might have the skill set start a job here tomorrow, so we want to broaden people’s perspectives on what kind of careers you can have in this sector,” Clare said.
“During our last career event, we had eight healthcare workers tell their career stories, and all but one of them came in as a second career. We had a rocket scientist, and an architect who moved into healthcare, and that was a real eye opener seeing people transition into a whole new career.”
Find out more about the courses available and get started in your new career at: www.schealthinstitute.com.au/education/