There has been a decline in the number of domestic students studying nursing across Western Australia, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the issue at universities.
Indigenous people are also under-represented at university and within the WA healthcare workforce, and the lack of representation is stopping some from accessing the help they need.
Murdoch University nursing students Jayde Larsen and Peta Clifford with Acute Surgical Unit Registered Nurse Amber Simpson.Credit: Murdoch University
Indigenous Murdoch University nursing student Jayde Larsen said this inequality had become a driving force in her decision to study the profession.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not always have the same opportunities to access healthcare, especially in the rural and remote areas of the state, and quite often, when they do seek healthcare, misunderstandings can be experienced by both parties,” she said.
“By having a workforce that is strong in its Indigenous healthcare workers, all patients can have the opportunity to feel safe, their culture respected, and receive the healthcare that we are all entitled to.”
But university itself can be isolating for First Nations students.
A partnership between Murdoch University and WA Health is now aiming to address the shortage of Indigenous nurses and the lower numbers of enrolments in study.
The training program Moorditj Kaartdijin, Moorditj Warlang, which translates to good/strong knowledge, good/strong health, was developed by the School of Nursing and since its inception in 2020, 13 First Nations students have graduated with another 30 currently in placements at Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospital.
Larsen is one of those, and said it had been an “amazing” experience which had helped her through her studies.
Caroline Nilson, the school’s Aboriginal research lead, said it was up to universities to stop high drop-out rates and encourage Indigenous students into the profession.
“It was hard to minimise drop-out rates when there was a constant sense of ‘I don’t belong here’,” Associate Professor Nilson said.
She said the aim was to increase the number of First Nations healthcare providers in the sector to between three and four per cent of the WA workforce, in line with the state government’s goals.
“Not having this representation is stopping some First Nations people from accessing critical care because they don’t feel hospitals are a safe space for them,” she said.
Nursing student Peta Clifford, who also took part in the program, said she was hopeful it meant positive change.
“It is widely known that healthcare is not as equitable to some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for various reasons, and this contributes to the communications and stigmas experienced by all,” she said.
“A workforce, especially one in healthcare that is rich in Indigenous professionals, increases cultural values and understandings and allows all people seeking healthcare to feel respected, comfortable, and equal among others.”
School of Nursing Clinical Education and Engagement Associate Dean Helen Dugmore said the partnership ensured First Nations students gained ongoing experience at the same hospital, and developed a stronger connection with their environment.
“The students can become familiar with the staff, patients, and the workplace culture of the hospital, so they can reach their full potential and succeed in their work,” she said.
Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group Executive Director Neil Doverty said having a diverse workforce was essential to best understand patients’ needs.