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Rural Allied Health professional experience placement

My course Workplace placements and compliance requirements WIL compliance Rural Allied Health

Flinders’ Rural Allied Health degrees offer you the chance to study, in  Mt Gambier, Port Pirie and the Riverland without having to move to Adelaide. You don’t have to leave home to choose a rewarding, challenging degree that will prepare you for an amazing career. Study locally and explore local placement opportunities while you gain skills that could take you anywhere around the world.  Whether you’re looking to retrain or upskill, or if you’re just starting on your career path, studying Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Speech Pathology at Flinders will help you find your place in Australia’s largest employing industry.

 What courses are available?

• Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy)

• Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences (Physiotherapy)

• Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences (Speech Pathology)

Placements are provided in a range of settings including childcare centres, state and independent schools, disability services, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health centres and aged care facilities.

 

 

Rural Allied Health pre-placement checklist

Pre-requisites for placement

Compliance requirements for placement eligibility keyboard_arrow_up

There are a number of mandatory requirements to be met by students before they can enter a practice environment. Students need to read this information carefully and act to meet required deadlines because failure to comply can mean that placements are delayed or cancelled with the potential to then delay a student’s progress in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT).

ALL STUDENTS are requested to keep these documents in a safe place as they may be required to prove evidence of compliance when first attending placement and the university will not store these documents.

Other states or territories of Australia and other countries may require additional or different process for criminal checks. In particular the DCSI criminal history check process is not generally accepted by other states. Students placed in these areas will need to liaise with the Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Coordinator around the requirements.

Activity What you need to do
Form / more information Submit to
Fitness for placement declaration

Declare your fitness for placement by reading and acknowledging the Fitness for Placement statement on InPlace.

Let the University know if you have an access plan.

N/A InPlace
Student consent for placement Read and acknowledge the relevant essential conditions around student consent for placement using the applicable form. (Please note: if you are required to undertake multiple placements during your degree, you may be required to read both student consent documents, check with your WIL Support Team if you are unsure.)

Placements undertaken outside Flinders University - Student Consent for Placement Statement (PDF)

OR

Placements undertaken within Flinders University ONLY - Student Consent for Internal WIL Placement with Flinders University Statement (PDF)

InPlace
Intellectual property
for placement

Watch the student IP declaration, then acknowledge your understanding in InPlace.

Watch the IP counselling video.

Student Intellectual Property Statement (PDF) InPlace
Emergency Contact
Confirm your emergency contact details are up to date in the Student Information System.   Student System
Student Declaration for Placement Read and acknowledge the Student Declaration for Placement. If you agree with it, you will be eligible for placement.                                                                                      Student Declaration for Placement (PDF) InPlace
Police Check You will need to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). Police Check detailed information InPlace

Activity

What you need to do

Form / more information

Submit to

DHS Aged Care Sector Related Screening

Obtain a clearance from DHS

DHS compliance information

InPlace

DHS Working with Children Check

Obtain a clearance from DHS

DHS compliance information

InPlace

NDIS Worker Check

Obtain a clearance from DHS

DHS compliance information

InPlace

International Police Check

Check if you qualify to obtain an IPC

International Police Check (IPC) detailed information

InPlace

Police Check

You will need to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).

Police Check detailed information

InPlace

SA Tuberculosis Services screening

Complete the online questionnaire and follow any instructions you receive by email from SA TB services. Upload your questionnaire results to InPlace.

IMPORTANT: Some vaccinations can interfere with the blood test that is used to screen for Tuberculosis. For this reason, you should delay any vaccinations until AFTER you have been cleared by SA TB Services, or until you have received your IGRA test results.

Tuberculosis Services clearance information pack (PDF)

SA TB Services student questionnaire

InPlace

Immunisation Compliance Certificate

See a GP to complete and document the necessary immunisation requirements on the Immunisation Compliance Certificate.

Immunisation compliance detailed information

InPlace

Annual influenza vaccination

Book an annual influenza vaccination from an immunisation provider.

Influenza vaccination certificate (PDF)

InPlace

COVID-19 Vaccination

Ensure you have received a course of COVID-19 vaccinations and maintain your immunity as per SA/Federal Health Government Department directions. Book an appointment

Not applicable

InPlace

SA Health Better Placed Deed Poll

Read, understand and sign the SA Health Better Placed Deed Poll

Better Placed Deed Poll information and form

InPlace

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Book and attend a practical training session.

Upload evidence of completion,

CPR training compliance information

InPlace

Hand hygiene

Undertake the online National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) module:

  • Hand Hygiene for Clinical Healthcare Workers  Online Learning Module

Upload the certificate.

NHHI - Complete learning module

InPlace

SA Health Electronic Medical Record (EMR) training

Access your FLO page and locate the current year ‘Sunrise EMR & PAS eLearning for Students – Current Year’ module located in your additional tab section. This training is to be completed each calendar year.

Sunrise EMR and PAS eLearning for students on FLO

InPlace

Safe Environment – Through Their Eyes

Through their eyes training is a compulsory pre-placement requirement. There are many providers in Adelaide, utilise the link to source a provider

Department of Human Services

InPlace

Responding to the Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect —Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) training

Suitable for anyone who has a current RAN-EC (Response to Abuse and Neglect) certificate that expires on 31 Dec 2021

First step for anyone who has never done the training or who has a lapsed certificate.

If you have a current Child Safe Environments Through Their Eyes/Safe Environments full-day certificate, you can do the 2-hour fundamentals online component through Plink to meet the requirements of both CSE and RRHAN-EC which is suitable for placement as well as professional work.

RRHAN FAQs with link to Plink

InPlace

 

 

 

 

Detailed compliance information

Department of Human Services (DHS) clearances keyboard_arrow_up

These clearances are valid for five years from date of issue (unless revoked prior), except Aged Care Sector Clearance, which has an expiry of three years.

There are three main types of screening offered by the DHS the University requires; Aged-Care Sector, Working With Children Check (WWCC), and NDIS Worker Check. Refer to the pre-placement compliance checklist to determine which screenings you require.

Formerly known as Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) clearances, DHS clearances are state-based clearances used to determine suitability for employment within specific care sectors in South Australia.

Note: Working With Children Checks issued prior to 1 July 2019 are known as Child-Related Employment Screenings.

Obtaining DHS clearances

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences require students to obtain DHS Clearances through self-initiation via the DHS website.

Please follow this guide for step-by-step directions of how to start your application.

Existing clearances can be renewed up to 6 months prior to expiry. It is recommended that clearances are renewed early to ensure there is no lapse in compliance.

View more information on the DHS website.

What is the difference between DHS clearances and the Police Check?

The Police Check is a printout of all disclosable criminal convictions as recorded by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). DHS clearances involve additional probity checks and continuous monitoring. Both are required.

International Police Check (IPC) keyboard_arrow_up

An International Police Check (IPC) is required by students if in the last 10 years they have lived in a country other than Australia, for more than 1 year since turning 18 years of age.

Fit2Work is an accepted provider of an IPC or you may already have an IPC and can upload this as evidence on InPlace. 

Police Check (NCCHC) keyboard_arrow_up
  • Students must supply a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) prior to the commencement of their placement.

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)

Valid for three years from date of issue

Commonly referred to as a Police Check, a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) is a document that lists all criminal convictions recorded against a person in the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) database. For more information visit the ACIC website.

Police Checks (NCCHCs) can be issued by:

  • State and Territory or
  • Private brokers that have been accredited by the ACIC

An acceptable Police Check (NCCHC) must meet the following requirements:

  • The following information is provided to assist you complete an application form for your Police Check:
  • Reason for Check – University Student Placement
  • Proposed Place of Work – Health/Aged Care Sector
  • Location – Adelaide, South Australia

Please note – if you are completing a Police Check for a Northern Territory placement, please follow the instruction provided by Flinders NT or your discipline specific checklist.  In the absence of this advice, follow the above instructions to complete the application form.

Students are responsible for the cost of obtaining their Police Check (NCCHC).

Students completing placements in South Australia may choose to apply for a Police Check (NCCHC) directly through their local police, or through a commercial broker. If a Police Check (NCCHC) is required urgently (e.g. sooner than 4 – 5 weeks) then it is advisable to apply online through an accredited broker that offers fast turnaround.

Police Check (NCCHC) providers:

  • South Australia Police (SAPOL) - We strongly recommend you use the SAPOL Police Check as this the most accepted document.
  • Third party providers are  https://flinders.checked.com.au and www.cvcheck.com.
  • State clearances are most widely accepted across organisations and interstate, third party provided clearances may not be accepted by host organisations outside of the control of the University.

Please note that Flinders University does not endorse these providers and cannot guarantee their turnaround times.

What happens if there are offences listed on my Police Check?

Students with criminal convictions should to refer to the SA Health Criminal and Relevant History Screening Policy Directive. Students with serious criminal convictions may be precluded from placement. Students with criminal convictions are advised to meet with their course coordinator to discuss their ability to satisfy the requirements of their placement topic.

Will you accept a Teachers Registration Board (TRB) Registration Certificate?

No. The Teachers Registration Board (TRB) undertakes a Police Check (Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check) as part of the registration process, however, no outcomes are listed on the registration certificate. You are required to obtain a separate Police Check (NCCHC).

How can I obtain a replacement Police Check?

Replacement Police Checks (NCCHCs) can sometimes be obtained by contacting the organisation that issued the original certificate. In many cases, students who have lost their Police Check (NCCHC) will need to apply for a new one.

Immunisation and vaccinations keyboard_arrow_up

Valid indefinitely.

The Immunisation Compliance Certificate sets out the immunisation requirements for students and identifies acceptable evidence of immunity for each disease. The Immunisation Compliance Certificate must be completed by an immunisation provider, this can include General Practitioners (GPs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).

Students are responsible for:

  • Understanding the immunisation requirements.
  • Ensuring the immunisation provider completes the Immunisation Compliance Certificate correctly.
  • Ensuring the immunisation provider provides the student with evidence of immunity, including vaccination records and blood test results (serology).

Completing the Immunisation Compliance Certificate may require several appointments with an immunisation provider. The schedule of appointments will vary depending upon previous vaccination history and the availability of medical records. A typical appointment schedule may include:

  • First appointment
    • Review vaccination history
    • Request blood test to determine immunity
  • Follow-up appointments
    • Administer vaccinations according to schedule
    • Blood test to determine immunity post-vaccination (required for Hepatitis B).

Who can complete the Immunisation Compliance Certificate?

The Immunisation Compliance Certificate must be completed by an immunisation provider in Australia. This can include General Practitioners (GPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). Students are encouraged to utilise the Flinders University Health, Counselling and Disability service.

Can Hepatitis B immunity be confirmed by vaccination record?

No. Immunity to Hepatitis B must be confirmed by blood test. For students undergoing a course of vaccinations, the blood test is to be completed 4-6 weeks after the final (3rd) dose of the vaccine.

I have been vaccinated against Poliomyelitis but do not have a record of this. What can I do? 

If a student is confident of their previous vaccination against Poliomyelitis, the Poliomyelitis Statutory Declaration (PDF) can be completed and will be accepted as evidence of immunity. Students that are unsure of their vaccination history should complete a course of vaccinations.

What happens if I can’t be fully vaccinated/immunised?

There are several reasons why a student may not be able to fulfil the immunisation requirements:

  • Hepatitis B carrier: In cases where serology confirms Hepatitis B infection, students must provide evidence of this. Students that carry the Hepatitis B infection can attend placement but will be limited in the types of care settings in which they can work.
  • Hepatitis B non-responder: In cases where post-vaccination serology does not confirm immunity to Hepatitis B, a booster dose may be given followed by another blood test. If immunity is still not confirmed, students may provide documentation from their medical practitioner, and will be considered as having met the immunisation requirements.
  • Medical contraindication: Students with a medical contraindication to vaccination should follow the advice of their doctor. Once the Immunisation Compliance Certificate is completed to the extent possible, and a letter from the doctor is provided, students will be considered as having met the immunisation requirements.

Students who cannot be fully vaccinated/immunised for the above reasons will be required to advise the WIL Support Team as soon as possible to discuss strategies for ensuring the safety of themselves and others while on placement.

Students who refuse to be screened or vaccinated, or who refuse to provide this information to the University, are not considered as having met the immunisation requirements and will be refused a placement on this basis. Vaccination refusal will impact a student’s ability to complete their course; students that refuse vaccination are advised to meet with their course coordinator. Not applicable to Social Work students unless they are going to SA Health Placements.

Do I need to provide evidence of flu vaccination?

Students are required to obtain an annual flu vaccination, and evidence of this may be required by your placement venue. Due to the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine, students are required to be vaccinated with the current calendar year vaccine, when it is available, usually March/April.  Upload evidence on InPlace.  Evidence of receiving the influenza vaccination can be recorded on the ‘influenza vaccination certificate’ link here or similar certificate utilised by the immunisation provider. 

Immunisation Compliance Certificate

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training keyboard_arrow_up

Valid for one year from date of issue.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training is completed annually. Students are responsible for organising their training through an external provider.

Acceptable training can include:

  • courses accredited to the HLTAID009 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation standard OR
  • Basic Life Support courses completed through SA Health or endorsed by the Australian College of Nursing OR
  • workplace CPR training that includes a practical component.

Acceptable evidence of training can include:

  • a certificate of completion issued by the training provider
  • a letter from an employer stating the date of completion of training
  • a printout from an employer’s training register showing the date of completion of training.

Course providers may include:

  • IntelliLearn
  • St John Ambulance
  • First Aid Pro
  • Red Cross Australia
  • First Aid Training Adelaide CBD

Find additional accredited training providers by searching for HLTAID009 courses near your location.

Registration requirements keyboard_arrow_up

Students admitted to the Master of Occupational Therapy are legally required to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The University is required to advise AHPRA of students enrolled in the Master of Occupational Therapy for this purpose and students do not contact AHPRA themselves, the University does so on their behalf. Registration brings specific obligations to ensure that the public are protected from substantial risk of harm while clinical training occurs and can require the university or student to advise AHPRA of specific circumstances.

For details around this please refer to student registration for clinical training.

Preparing for placement

Uniform keyboard_arrow_up

Master of Allied Health Students are required to comply with the following standard of dress to attend all placement and clinical experiences unless directed otherwise by their supervisor. These standards align with occupational health and safety requirements and safe handling recommendations. Students are advised that they should also adhere to the dress code in the facility in which they are placed and be suitable for the client group. It should be noted that a facility has the ability to negotiate variations to the uniform in certain circumstances.

  • Dress in the specified uniform (as outlined below).
  • Clearly display your student ID card at all times.
  • Wear hair secured above the shoulders; ponytails should not hang below or touch shoulders, hair should be firmly secured with plain bands and clips. Beards should be neatly trimmed or fixed as close as possible to the skin with clips.
  • Remove bracelets, wristwatches, dangling earrings, necklaces and rings (only exceptions - simple unadorned religious bands)
  • Remove all nail polish (including clear).
  • Remove acrylic fingernails and nails should be trimmed and clean.
  • Wear a freshly laundered uniform, and clean shoes each day.
  • Shower and attend to personal hygiene before attending the placement.
  • Complete uniform, may be worn while travelling to and from campus/placement, if desired.
  • The uniform and ID badge must not be worn in social settings such as hotels, restaurants and cafes.
    • Lost or broken ID cards, must be replaced, at a small cost to the student.

The Allied Health uniform consists of:

  • A blue polo shirt with the Flinders University College of Nursing and Health Sciences emblem
  • Navy or black trousers - no jeans, denim or tracksuit pants may be worn.
  • Blue vest with Flinders University College of Nursing and Health Sciences emblem
  • Black or blue, enclosed, sturdy, low heeled, non-slip shoe that protects the foot.

Dress code for religious requirements:

  • Long-sleeved, cotton navy or black t-shirt may be worn under the College of Nursing and Health Sciences shirt. However, sleeves must be tight enough so when pushed up to the elbows, the sleeves do not roll down. Students will be required to roll the sleeves up when performing clinical procedures and to maintain asepsis in all areas.
  • Head wear: plain navy or black head covering/hijab tightly fitted with the face fully visible.

Students who do not adhere to the above policy may be asked to leave the workshop / placement and their attendance marked as absent.

 

Purchasing uniforms

Valerie Travers
1/20 Benjamin St, Newton SA
Phone: (08) 8223 5375
Buy online: Valerie Travers website

Clinical badge keyboard_arrow_up

Wearing a student name badge whilst on placement is part of accountability and professional practice.

Clinical badges can only be obtained once you have a student ID card. How to obtain a student ID card.

Collecting in person from Central Library

  1. Complete the online form to order and pay at: unicard.com.au/flindersplacementbadge. The cost is $4.40 if collecting in person. Payment is not available at the office and is only available via the online form.
  2. Visit the Unicard office level 1 Central library, with student card. Placement cards/badges will be printed while the student waits.
  3. Cards/badges will not be issued if a student card is not presented.

Mailed out

  1. Check your address is current in the student system before trying to order.
  2. Complete the online form to order and pay at: unicard.com.au/flindersplacementbadge. The cost is $10 if mailed out. Payment is not available at the office and is only available via the online form.
  3. Cards/badges will be processed and mailed out via unregistered Australian Post within 2 working days. 
SA Health clinical placement requirements for healthcare students keyboard_arrow_up

You are required to read and understand the SA Health Clinical Placement Requirements for Healthcare Students (PDF)

Fitness for professional practice keyboard_arrow_up

 

If you have an existing condition or develop an illness or disability that may impede your ‘fitness for professional practice’, you must have the Flinders University Fitness for Professional Practice form (PDF) completed by a medical practitioner.

This form needs to be submitted to the placement education coordinator as soon as possible (for existing conditions, at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester).

 

 

Pre-placement contact with placement site keyboard_arrow_up

Students should contact the designated contact person at the placement facility where they are placed at least two weeks prior to commencement of the placement.

This initial contact is to introduce the student, to discuss any learning needs, prior experiences and areas of interest, to arrange a time and place to meet on the first day of the facility and any other key preliminary information.

Further details of what to include in the letter and a template for structuring learning objectives are on the topic FLO site.

During placement

The knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes required for your development as a competent occupational therapist are specified in each topic's learning outcomes. Your skills, abilities and knowledge will be assessed against the Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised Edition (SPEF-r) which is the standard evaluation tool for occupational therapy in Australia. More information about the SPEF-r and specific learning outcomes are available on topic FLO sites.

 

Expectations on placement keyboard_arrow_up

Allied Health students will abide by the rules, bylaws and regulations of any venue in which they are placed. Supervisors will make available to students a copy of relevant rules, bylaws and regulations at each clinical venue.

Students will be responsible and accountable to the supervisor. Overall responsibility of the student belongs to the head of the relevant department or team.

Students are expected to take responsibility for their own actions and develop the characteristics of self-directed and reflective learners. The supervisor will guide and facilitate student learning, however, it is the students’ responsibility reflect on their performance and to at regular intervals define their learning needs and discuss these as needed.

Further information about expectations specific to each placement can be found on the topic FLO sites.

Acceptance of responsibility for patient care keyboard_arrow_up

Students need to be aware that they are responsible for the management of their clients. In many instances the intervention that the student provides for their clients will be the only intervention that the patient/client will receive. Often students will be sharing or carrying the caseload of their supervisor.

Patients/clients are people not cases or conditions. Students must explain that they are an Allied Health student when they introduce themselves to their clients and obtain permission prior to commencing. If a supervisor or another student is also present students will introduce them to their patient and describe their role.

Students must communicate with the supervisor before undertaking any assessment or treatment of a client or starting any new activity not already checked by the supervisor.

Students must communicate frequently with their supervisor and inform them of any change in the situation concerning their patients.

Attendance keyboard_arrow_up

The hours of contact are generally based on 40 hours per week which includes two hours per week completing reflective activities. The timetable for each facility is variable and needs to be negotiated with the supervisor. Students must discuss any proposed time off from placement with the supervisor in the first instance who will then liaise with the University. The amount of hours in total that student must achieve is 1000 hours. There a few additional hours allowed in the fieldwork program but students should generally reserve this for periods when they may possibly be unwell and avoid any other leave unless of an urgent and pressing nature.

Elite athletes

If you are an elite athlete, you need to advise topic coordinators and the placement team of your status as soon as this is confirmed. This will enable appropriate placement arrangements can be accommodated. The University’s rule for Elite Athlete status provides further details, including the need to renew applications annually.

Australian Defence Force personnel

If you are a member of the Australian Defence Forces, and expect to be deployed or required for compulsory training exercises during a placement period, please advise your topic coordinator and the placement team as soon as details are known. Wherever possible, alternative arrangements will be made for your placement.

View further information about while you're on placement

Problems and concerns keyboard_arrow_up

Issues sometimes arise on placement that you may not be able to resolve by yourself. Who to contact and potential solutions are covered below. Keep in mind that you are required to maintain professional behaviour and communication at all times, especially with those at the placement venue.

The placement communication framework (available below) provides information about who to contact when you have a question about your placement.

First point of contact

When an issue arises at the venue where you are doing your placement, the first person to contact is always your supervisor or clinical educator. Their role is to act as your advocate and help to resolve any matters of concern. .

If the matter cannot be resolved at the placement site, please arrange to meet with the placement coordinator to discuss your concerns.

Remember that you have free access to the University Health, Counselling and Disability Services.

Are you experiencing bullying or harassment?

Flinders University is committed to ensuring that students can participate in workplaces that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, and where people are respected and diversity is embraced.

The College complies with the Flinders University principles outlined in No bullying at Flinders.

If you feel that you are being, or have been, bullied or harassed at a placement venue, report this immediately to your placement educator/facilitator and/or your topic coordinator.

Also, seek support and assistance as soon as possible from the University Student Equal Opportunity Adviser, who provides assistance to resolve complaints that arise from harassment or bullying, under the University’s Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF).

Are you having problems meeting the learning objectives for your placement?

During your placement you may find some of the learning objectives within the Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised Edition (SPEF-r) more difficult to achieve than others - this is a normal part of learning. You can discuss these issues with your supervisor if you are having difficulty in achieving any of the learning objectives. They will assist you in developing learning strategies to achieve the expected outcomes.

If you continue to be concerned about your progress or how the placement is progressing you can contact the placement coordinator for advice and support.

What is breach of conduct?

A breach of conduct is when situations arise where there are serious deficits in the way a student conducts themselves or behaves while on placement, for example when a student:

  • behave in an unprofessional manner
  • does tasks outside their scope of practice
  • engages in unsafe professional practice.

When a breach of conduct occurs, the student will be referred to the topic coordinator who will review whether they can continue activity within the topic, depending on the severity of the breach.

Patients and the public expect to be in a safe environment within a placement venue. If at any time a student demonstrates unsafe practice during a placement, they will be immediately withdrawn from the placement venue. The placement supervisor will then notify the topic coordinator and course coordinator, in writing, of the event or activity that required the removal of a student from the venue.

Unsafe professional practice include:

  • inadequate knowledge for safe practice
  • inadequate performance of skills, including communication
  • unprofessional behaviour that places patients at risk of physical harm, unreasonable emotional distress or neglect
  • unlawful or unethical behaviour.

If the issue/s that caused the removal of a student from placement can be resolved, and the venue agrees, a student may continue their placement. Negotiation for the support of a Professional Learning Plan may also be considered.

The topic coordinator, in consultation with the placement educator (facilitator) and relevant clinical staff, will determine whether a student may be reinstated.

If a student’s behaviour or practice is such that they would fail the topic, then they will not be reinstated.

View further information about administrative procedures for students on placement in the Work Integrated Learning policy (PDF).

Further information about while you're on placement

Placement communication framework

Professional Learning Plan (PLP) keyboard_arrow_up

Professional Learning Plans are designed to provide supportive learning strategies for students who have been identified as requiring further support and/or extension, to achieve the required topic learning outcomes within placement timelines.

The purpose of the Professional Learning Plan is to promote student learning by identifying their specific learning needs and providing strategies to promote successful achievement of the topic learning outcomes on placement. The use of a Professional Learning Plan is designed to support the student's successful completion of their placement. A Professional Learning Plan is not an assessable item and cannot be used as such. Students will only be assessed in accordance to the expected topic criteria as indicated on their Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised Edition (SPEF-r)

A student may be offered a Professional Learning Plan (PLP) at any time during a placement. It is the student's choice to implement this learning strategy, however, students are reminded that a learning plan is designed to promote their success during placement.

How is a Professional Learning Plan implemented?

Your placement educator (facilitator) or topic coordinator would meet with you to discuss the areas within your practice, knowledge, etc. that have been identified as requiring development.

A Professional Learning Plan may then be negotiated with you and designed to specify the learning strategies that may help you meet the expected topic learning outcomes, and/or the SPEF-r. The area/s for development are identified and together the supervisor and/or placement coordinator and student develop the learning plan. This can be continually negotiated and developed throughout the placement.

Rural placements

Rural placements will provide unique opportunities and challenges that aid in developing your personal independence and professional skills. Keep in mind that they will require you to be adaptable, flexible, resourceful, able to tolerate periods of solitude, and able to complete academic work independently if necessary.

Financial assistance keyboard_arrow_up

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences understands that students can struggle financially with the costs of living away from home while undertaking placement. There are resources available to help:

  • Reimbursement Policy – students can recover some of the costs of travel and accommodation after their placement by completing the Student Placement Reimbursement form (PDF).
  • FUSA – FUSA’s Financial Advocacy service can assist with all things financial
  • Scholarships – Students are encouraged to check the Scholarships at Flinders page and apply for any scholarship for which they are eligible.
Flinders University Rural & Remote Health SA (FURRHSA) keyboard_arrow_up

Flinders University Rural & Remote Health SA (FURRHSA) facilitates high quality multidisciplinary health education and research in our State's regional areas.

We have a strong national and international reputation for providing community-engaged inter-professional training for medical, nursing and allied health students. This includes the MD Rural Stream (MDRS) program and multidisciplinary rural clinical placements.

Through this practice, we bring new and exciting opportunities to actively engage and work with rural communities.

Find out more about FURRHSA

Flinders NT placements keyboard_arrow_up

The Northern Territory offers unique placement experiences that pose both challenges and rewards for healthcare students. Placement sites vary from remote clinics and practices to large tertiary hospitals, and from isolated desert communities to the multi-cultural centres of Darwin and Alice Springs.

We encourage and support students to embrace the learning opportunities, become involved in the local communities and make a positive difference to the health of our population.

Find out more about Flinders NT placements

Reimbursement policy keyboard_arrow_up

Student Reimbursement Policy for SA rural, remote and interstate placements (1 February 2025)

This policy is for College of Nursing and Health Sciences students undertaking a rural or remote South Australian or any interstate placement.

Students will be eligible for reimbursement following each completed placement in line with this policy.

Reimbursement claims are processed at the completion of placement. Reimbursement claims must be submitted by the 15 January the following year for reimbursement of placement expenses the previous calendar year.

Students living in a rural or interstate location while completing their course qualify for reimbursement when they undertake placement in a metropolitan location.

 

Accommodation

Accommodation expenses will be reimbursed to a maximum of $150 per week for the duration of the placement period.

Students must provide evidence for payment of accommodation, a receipt is preferred where possible, bank statement or signed letter from landlord can also be provided as evidence. Bonds and security deposits for accommodation, paid by students, are not covered by this policy and will not be reimbursed.

It is expected students stay in their allocated rural placement location area when undertaking a rural placement experience. Usual living expenses, including rent at a semester address, will not be covered under this policy.

 

Travel

Travel will be reimbursed to a maximum of $500 for travel expenses to and from the placement venue, at the commencement and completion of the placement based on the receipts provided (such as flights, bus, taxi fare).  Students will not be reimbursed for travel while on placement returning to their residential address (e.g. at the end of a shift or on weekends during placement).

Students travelling within SA to rural and remote locations by a private vehicle will receive a predetermined amount to cover fuel expenses.  Students will not be required to submit receipts. The total amount students will receive is provided on the Personal Travel Reimbursement - SA Rural Locations (PDF).

Exemptions:

  1. If the placement is in the Northern Territory, students will be entitled to be reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses to a maximum of $750.  Accommodation can only be included, if it was required in travelling to the placement location, prior to and at the completion of the placement.  The total travel and accommodation amount in these instances will not exceed the maximum allowance of $750.
  2. If the placement is a project-based placement requiring the student to travel several times from metropolitan Adelaide to a rural venue, the student will be entitled to 2 return trips to a maximum refund of $500. To be eligible the student must provide supporting documentation in writing from their topic coordinator indicating this activity is essential.
  3. Metropolitan Placements that require sporadic rural travel as part of the placement venues network are not eligible for reimbursement.
  4. If a student is required to travel to more than one rural location during the placement period and the placement provider requires them to travel between the locations at their own expense the student will be eligible for reimbursement of travel to a maximum of $500 (this will include travel to and from placement location on first and last day of placement).
  5. Students in this scenario will keep a log of the kilometres travelled, dates and destinations and submit this as evidence when seeking reimbursement.  Travel will be reimbursed based on fuel at $1.80 per litre, with the average fuel consumption 11.1 L/100 km (ABS Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, Australia 2020).

 

Assessment

All accommodation and travel reimbursements will be subjected to the following criteria;

  • Rural and remote placements in South Australia must be within ASGS Remoteness 2021, Areas RA2 – RA5  outlined on the Doctor Connect website. Mt Barker will be excluded from this policy for both accommodation and travel reimbursement.
  • Interstate placements, including metro locations, are included when; the placement is approved and/or required by the college (the college via the WIL placement team will identify if a placement satisfies this test prior to confirmation).
  • Interstate placements, including metro locations, are not included when you choose to go to an interstate location where there is a suitable South Australian placement available to you as defined by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences WIL placement team. In these circumstances the students can still do this placement, but reimbursement will not be provided.
  • All placements will be confirmed by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences WIL placement team.
  • Scholarships, Stipends and Commonwealth Prac Payments received by the student for any placement will be taken into consideration when calculating the reimbursement. Student reimbursements from this policy will not exceed the total expenditure the student incurred for travel and accommodation. 

Example:

Accommodation [$1,500] + Travel [$600] – Scholarship [$500] = $1,600 (Reimbursement)

 

Reimbursement process

Students are to submit reimbursement claims as per the following process:

  1. At the completion of placement, fill out the Student Placement Reimbursement form  (a fillable PDF) detailing expenses incurred while undertaking your placement.
  2. Save the form and receipts/invoices of expenses in PDF format and email to cnhs.placements@flinders.edu.au with your student ID number and “Placement Reimbursement Claim Request” in the subject heading.
  3. Payments are made into your nominated account within approximately 4 weeks of submitting your student placement reimbursement form.

You must ensure you keep your accommodation and travel expense receipts/invoices.

For more information please contact cnhs.placements@flinders.edu.au.

Rural pre-clinical meetings keyboard_arrow_up

Rural pre-clinical meetings are held regularly to support your preparation for a rural placement, discuss issues or concerns and meet other students going to the same venue and region. You will be invited to these meetings via email from the placement unit, and it is strongly recommended to attend these meetings.

The Rural Placement Student Checklist will assist you with planning for your rural experience.

Travel and accommodation keyboard_arrow_up

During placement, you are required to cover the costs of your travel, accommodation and meals. You are eligible for financial assistance and reimbursement as detailed above.

Travel to many rural centres is available through private bus companies, including Stateliner and Yorke Peninsula Coaches.

Accommodation may be offered at a subsidised rate. When you are allocated to a rural placement, your details are forwarded to the Flinders Rural & Remote Health SA team who will contact you regarding the available accommodation options.

Contact your WIL placement team

College of Business, Government and Law keyboard_arrow_up

Location: Social Sciences South Room 250

Phone: 7421 9860
Email: cbgl.placements@flinders.edu.au
FLO page: BGL Work Integrated Learning

College of Education, Psychology and Social Work keyboard_arrow_up

Location: Education Building Front Office (Level 4, Room 4.69)

Phone: 8201 5410
Email: cepsw.placements@flinders.edu.au
FLO page: EPSW Work Integrated Learning

College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences keyboard_arrow_up

Location: Social Sciences South Room 250

Phone: 7421 9860
Email: chass.placements@flinders.edu.au
FLO page: HASS Work Integrated Learning

College of Medicine and Public Health keyboard_arrow_up

Location: Flinders Medical Centre, Level 5 Room 5E213

Phone: 7221 8390
Email: cmph.placements@flinders.edu.au
FLO page: MPH Work integrated Learning 

College of Nursing and Health Sciences keyboard_arrow_up

Location: Level 1, North Wing, Sturt campus

Phone: 8201 7500
Email: cnhs.placements@flinders.edu.au
FLO page: NHS Work Integrated Learning 

College of Science and Engineering keyboard_arrow_up

Location: Tonsley and Bedford Park

Phone: 8201 5133
Email: cse.placements@flinders.edu.au
FLO page: CSE Work Integrated Learning 

The Office of Graduate Research (for Research Internships) keyboard_arrow_up

Location: Room 003 Registry, Bedford Park

Phone: 08 8201 5893
Email: hdr.engagement@flinders.edu.au

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Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042

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Last Updated: 27 Feb 2025

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