The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is providing support and advice to any members seeking information regarding student related issues concerning the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Students undertaking accredited nursing & midwifery programs are being directly impacted, including clinical placements, course progressions and calls to mobilise as participants in the health workforce.

Both students, and members who are engaged in the supervision of students on clinical placements, are encouraged to contact the NSWNMA should you have issues or concerns during this time.

Members are encouraged to login to Member Central to access Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 related issues. If you are not yet a member – Students of nursing & midwifery can join here for FREE.

If your issues can’t be found in Member Central, please contact us here.

Update on Clinical Placements from the Ministry of Health (NSW)

The NSWNMA continues to advocate for students and members as to the safe continuation of Clinical Placements during COVID-19. The Ministry of Health NSW has (re)confirmed to the NSWNMA, its commitment for the continuation of clinical placements for students at this time, especially for third year nursing and midwifery students, so as not to disrupt the growth of the health workforce in 2021; and that students will continue to be placed in work locations based on a risk assessment approach and it will not be adopting any alternative that includes prescribed ‘no go zones’.

In summary, the Ministry will continue to apply the direction provided to public health organisations in March 2020, in that: “The usual risk assessment processes around student placements continue to apply.  If your public health unit determines there are significant risks with students commencing on certain placements or in specific areas, it may be possible to accommodate students in alternative settings …”

Clinical placement locations be will allocated on a risk assessment basis to ensure the safety of both patients and students.

Factsheets

The Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) have released fact sheets relating to:

• Employment of Students enrolled in NMBA approved nursing programs of study
• COVID-19 Education and program accreditation matters

Safety Matters for students

How do I protect myself at work or on placement?

Influenza Vaccine for students attending clinical placements

Mandatory influenza vaccinations normally apply to those attending clinical placements in high risk areas – here is the latest advice on required vaccinations while on clinical placement.

Self-Care & clinical placement during COVID-19

For students attending clinical placements, here’s how to get the most out of your clinical placement and resources for looking after yourself in these challenging times.

Additional Training for COVID-19

The Department of Health has developed a free 30-minute online education course for workers in the aged care, health and disability sectors. This may be useful for students to complete prior to clinical placements;

After completing the course, course participants should be able to:

• understand the basics about the COVID-19 virus, including how it is spread,
• describe what you can do to protect yourself and others,
• know what to do if you develop symptoms,
• know what to do if the person you are caring for develops symptoms,
• tell the difference between myths and facts of COVID-19.

Register to participate in the training here.

Useful Resources

NSW Health is continuing to provide comprehensive information, fact sheets and updates about COVID-19 here.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Support available during COVID-19
• Worried about clinical placements through COVID-19?

Student FAQs

We’ve answered your most frequently asked questions during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Interview with a Nursing Student: Clinical Placement in COVID-19 Times

The NSWNMA will continue to provide further updates for students and members as we receive them. Make sure you login to NSWNMA Member Central to see our members only FAQs here.