Creating culturally safe pathways through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing placements

As a proud Kamilaroi woman, nursing student Chelsy Shearer carries her family’s history with her. Her nan had once dreamed of becoming a nurse but was prevented from doing so because she was Aboriginal - a story that continues to motivate Chelsy today. She sees her nursing journey as a way to honour that legacy and contribute to meaningful change. 

Growing up connected to family and community, Chelsy always envisioned a future where she could give back. Nursing, she found, blended her love of biology with the values she was raised with including care, connection, and community strength. 

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander futures through collaboration 

Chelsy recently completed two primary health care placements through the partnership between Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) and APNA. The program is designed to create culturally safe opportunities for First Nations nursing students and strengthen the future workforce. 

Before applying, she wasn’t aware that APNA offered placement support, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. With guidance from a university mentor, she applied and discovered the impact of learning in a culturally connected environment. 

Learning in community: Armidale and Inverell 

During her placements at Armajun Armidale and Armajun Inverell, Chelsy experienced firsthand what culturally grounded primary health care looks like. 

Reaching rural communities 

A standout experience was her trip to Tingha, a small town with limited local health services. 

“Going out there and giving people that healthcare they might not really have access to… that was really special,” she said.  

She highlighted the barriers that still affect many Aboriginal communities: “We’re very rural people and we’re not going to be able to access the care that other people may have.” 

(Chelsy pictured on the right at Inverell working with equipment)

Hands-on learning 

Throughout her placements, she worked across a wide range of community health activities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, immunisations, and Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) clinics.  

In one clinic, she was trusted to take an active role: “They allowed me to be the nurse in that, helping the doctors there and being in there to just help communicate with the patients.” 

Growing confidence through supportive mentorship 

Throughout her placements, Chelsy was guided by experienced nurses who were passionate about education and student development. Their support helped her grow confidence in her clinical abilities and understand how primary health care differs from the fast pace of hospital environments. 

The guidance she received offered her perspective beyond the clinical tasks, helping her understand the role primary health care plays for families, elders, and communities. 

Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health 

Her placement reinforced the need for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses across Australia. “A lot of Indigenous people want an Indigenous nurse because it creates that familiarity and trust,” she said. 

She also spoke about the barriers many community members still face. “A lot of our Elders have issues going to healthcare… having more Indigenous nurses, having more students come in… can help improve their health.” 

For Chelsy, increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation is essential, not optional. “We need more Indigenous voices heard… striving for a better education and a better future.” 

Looking forward 

Chelsy plans to gain experience in acute care before returning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health long‑term. “I would love to go back to Indigenous health and maybe going even more rurally — places where no healthcare is had.” 

Her goal is to contribute to a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are valued in every part of the health system. Programs like the APNA and Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) partnership help make that possible by offering culturally safe learning spaces where students can build confidence, skills, and strong cultural identity. 

As Chelsy reflects, even small steps can create meaningful change: “Even small impacts can make big changes.” 

Join the National Nursing Clinical Placements Program and you too could spark a new career in primary health care. It’s easier than you think!  

The National Nursing Clinical Placement Program is supported with funding from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 

We acknowledge the Kamilaroi people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands featured in this story and pay our respects to Elders past and present.