New training and employment pathway for student nurses and midwives
22 May 2025
A new employment pathway that allows nursing and midwifery students to work in frontline settings during their studies has been introduced in the Tasmanian health system with the aim of strengthening nursing and midwifery workforce development opportunities and enhancing delivery of services.
The Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON) and Registered Undergraduate Student of Midwifery (RUSOM) models of employment aims to boost training and education pathways for nurses and midwives.
In an important milestone, the first six RUSONS to be employed through the model – who are also studying their Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Tasmania – commenced in paid positions at the Roy Fagan Centre earlier this year.
Roma Basnet, previous RUSON at the Roy Fagan Centre, found the RUSON program really beneficial while she was completing her degree.
“It’s a platform where it really did help me to develop all my skills for my future career.
“It was an eye opener for me where it really did help me understand what nursing is, I would really encourage the new graduates or the students to apply,” she said.
Skye Bannes, current RUSON at Roy Fagan Centre, is in her third year of her nursing degree and said that the program was really helpful.
“It’s a really good start to get on the roadmap of nursing.
“You get the communication skills, actually talking to people and getting used to those communication styles,” she said.
As part of the program, undergraduates will work to a defined scope of practice under the supervision of a wider nursing or midwifery team, with their scope or practice expanding as they successfully progress through their undergraduate degree.
More information on student opportunities can be found here: Student opportunities | Tasmanian Department of Health