Exploring the Heart of Rural Healthcare
Stewart Wilson, a third-year Bachelor of Nursing student at La Trobe Rural Health School, shares his transformative experience during a recent placement at the Lockington Bush Nursing Centre. With seven years of nursing under his belt and a Diploma of Nursing completed locally in Echuca, Stewart is now advancing his clinical expertise through further study.
“While working at Echuca Regional Health as a security officer and patient porter, I found myself increasingly interested in the patients and their diagnoses,” Stewart recalls. “I naturally started absorbing information and developed a genuine curiosity about healthcare.”
This curiosity led him to pursue nursing full-time, and his recent placement in a remote bush setting offered a unique perspective on the profession.
The impact of Lockington Bush Nursing Centre
“Lockington Bush Nursing Centre is truly unique—the variety of work they do is astounding,” he says. “The support from the staff and community, and the mutual appreciation felt with each visit, make it an unforgettable learning environment. It was, without a doubt, my most enriching placement—and it’s certainly a career path I’m eager to pursue” Stewart affirms.
A Rewarding Experience
The placement offered many rewarding moments, from seeing patient progress to building community connections. “Seeing real progress in patient health, especially in wound care; developing rapport with community members; and having people remember my name—that personal connection and sense of contribution were incredibly fulfilling.”
Support and Growth
Stewart felt “Absolutely—100%” supported throughout his placement.
“The entire team at the clinic had a phenomenal rapport with both the staff and the broader community. Without immediate access to doctors, nurses are required to make accurate, independent clinical judgments—an experience that really pushed me to grow professionally.”
Advice for Future Students
Stewart strongly encourages other nursing students to consider a bush placement. “I would suggest students have some life experience, as the work can be confronting at times,” he advises. “Clinics like Lockington also handle home visits and respond to 000 calls, which can involve challenging situations. If you’re curious about rural healthcare, this kind of placement offers unmatched learning opportunities”.