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First year Southern Cross University Bachelor of Nursing students Shanelle and Kirrily standing side by side smiling at Bangalow Residential Village

Kickstarting careers with Feros Care’s Talent Pathways Program

Thanks to Feros Care’s Talent Pathways Program, the future of aged care and nursing are in good hands.

We sat down with first year Southern Cross University Bachelor of Nursing students, Kirrily and Shanelle, to talk about their three-week Foundations of Health Assessment placement at our Bangalow Residential Village.

Their journey highlights how the program’s real-world experience and mentorship can bring classroom learning to life, while also laying the groundwork for a rewarding career.

Transforming students into confident carers

First year Bachelor of Nursing student Kirrily smiling

For Byron Bay local Kirrily, our Talent Pathways Program provided her very first hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

“I haven’t had any background in nursing, so I was a bit scared jumping in the deep end,” she says. But from day one, the supportive team at Bangalow Village ensured Kirrily felt at ease.

“Everyone here has gone out of their way to make me feel really comfortable and help me learn as much as I can.”

“The staff are excellent at showing you – not just telling you – how to apply the theory we’ve learned while studying, plus sharing their skills and knowledge.”

She continues; “This placement through the (Talent Pathways) program has taught me so much that will be really helpful in the future.”

Among the key takeaways for Kirrily were skills in medication administration and aseptic wound management (reviewing and redressing wounds in a sterile environment).

“Checking the right person and times to administer meds and learning all about wound care were particularly beneficial,” she shares.

“And working in residential care has been a great base. It’s not as fast paced as a hospital, so it’s a really good starting point to make sure you are confident with the foundations.”

Fellow first-year student Shanelle echoes these sentiments.

Bachelor or Nursing student Shanelle

“Everything is different in an actual healthcare setting versus what we learn at uni. You’re told how to administer medications in class, but you don’t really ‘get it’ until you actually do it,” she says.

In addition to the experience and confidence they gained, both students found immense value in the personal connections they formed with the residents.

“I really enjoyed interacting with the residents and hearing their stories and life experiences,” says Shanelle.

“It’s not something you think about beforehand, but it’s an unexpected bonus.”

Encouragement and expertise every step of the way

The approachable and supportive environment created by the Bangalow Village team was a standout for both Kirrily and Shanelle. Clinical Manager, Vinnie, received special praise for his encouragement and availability, as well as the other nursing and care team members.

“If there is any problem or question, you are completely comfortable to talk to Vinnie – and the other staff,” notes Shanelle.

“There is no-one here you can’t talk to. They’re all so approachable and helped ease the nerves.”

Setting students up for success

Feros Care’s Talent Pathways Program is designed to provide students with the real-world, hands-on experience necessary to build successful careers in healthcare. Its seamless integration of learning and practice impressed both Kirrily and Shanelle.

“Feros sent a detailed roster to my uni with all the details I needed to make it easy,” Kirrily says.

“Doing the orientation module beforehand was also really good to get a bit of background about the place, and the orientation day was great to help me settle in.”

Shanelle agreed, adding, “It was all done really well. They (Feros Care and the Talent Pathways Program) thought of everything!”

The placement also offered a unique perspective on aged care nursing, which both students found rewarding.

“It (nursing in an aged care village) is very different from hospitals,” Shanelle observes. “It’s very fast paced in a hospital – you treat patients and then they leave, then you’re on to the next. But in an aged care environment, this is their home and they get really familiar with the staff.”

Kirrily feels the same way, adding, “Working in residential aged care has been a great way to build a strong foundation before doing further study.”

The success of this placement is part of a larger initiative by Feros Care to support nursing students and future healthcare professionals. Between October and December last year, the Talent Pathways Program welcomed 10 nursing students, with placements spanning both residential care and in-home support.

This year, the program continues to expand, with more first-year nursing students set to gain valuable experience in our residential villages from March 2025.

Experience that builds foundations for lifelong careers

As Kirrily and Shanelle reflect on their time at Bangalow Village, their enthusiasm and gratitude shine through.

“It’s been such a good experience,” Shanelle says. Kirrily nods, summing up her placement with a smile.

“I’ve learned so much and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

For anyone ready to take the first step towards a fulfilling career in aged care, Feros Care’s Talent Pathways Program offers the perfect launchpad.

It provides an invaluable opportunity to kickstart your journey, exploring different roles, applying knowledge in practical settings, developing technical and interpersonal skills, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors.

Your path to a rewarding future begins here.

For more information about vocational or university placements, work experience, traineeships, qualifications, university scholarships and general support through our Talent Pathways Program, click here or phone 1300 090 256.

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