Curtin University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery are looking for volunteer patients who can contribute in a valuable and unique way to the education and training of future nurses.
Volunteers can be people of all ages and backgrounds. The role of the volunteer patient ranges from helping assess student skills in taking temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure to more complex situations where volunteers play the role of a patient with a medical or surgical condition in a ward. Training is provided for the latter roles.
Neil Williams, from Girrawheen, who has been volunteering on the program for more than two years said he loves volunteering and got involved because he wanted to give something back to the community.
“It feels great to help future nurses practise their skills, who knows one day I might unexpectedly need the help of a nurse, and this is my way of giving back,” Mr Williams said.
“It gives you a great feeling of achievement, a positive attitude, and it’s also a good way to make new friends and meet different people.”
Acting Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Pam Roberts, said that the program wouldn’t exist without the volunteers.
“Our volunteers’ contribution is critical and valued immensely by everyone at the university,” Ms Roberts said.
Sessions are held at Curtin’s main Bentley campus at the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Volunteers provide a few hours of their time throughout the months of March, June, August and November. No prior experience is necessary.
All volunteers are provided with free parking on campus, refreshments, and are given movie vouchers as a token of appreciation after participating in a training session.
Every volunteer’s involvement will help to provide realistic learning opportunities where nurse students can gain confidence and competence in a safe environment.
For more information, contact Rachel on 9266 9251 or Rebecca on 9266 4839.
Contacts:
Denise Cahill, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 1931, Mobile: 0401 103 683, Email: d.cahill@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
