Seven USC Nursing Science students have been awarded annual bursaries to help them experience the challenges and rewards of nursing in rural towns and remote communities.

One of the recipients, Corey Johanson of Hervey Bay, said his bursary would help with travel and accommodation costs for a three-week nursing placement at Mundubbera Hospital later this month.

“Many students prefer larger city hospitals, however I am keen to do my clinical placement in country hospitals, where the health needs are so diverse and you can learn a variety of skill sets,” Mr Johanson, 39, said.

“It is also great preparation for when I graduate, because my aim is to work in the outback or in remote Indigenous communities in far north Queensland and the Northern Territory.”

Mr Johanson, along with Hervey Bay’s Catherine Sugget, received the $1,000 Lucy Harris Bursary, which is awarded annually to two second or third-year nursing students at USC’s Fraser Coast campus to help with the cost of clinical placements in rural and remote areas.

This award was established in 2015 by Dr Vernon Harris in memory of his wife, Lucy Harris, whose long and distinguished career as a midwife and nurse included nursing casualties from the bombing of London during World War 2, and establishing medical clinics in Nigeria.

Other bursaries were awarded to Brooke Ward of Golden Beach and Kristy-Leigh Bunter of Lagoon Pocket, who both received a $2,500 Helen Hall Remote Nursing Bursary to assist with placements at Mundubbera, Eidsvold and Biggenden.

Kate Maher of Everton Hills chose Mount Isa for her work-integrated learning experience and was successful in receiving a Henzell Rural and Remote Nursing Bursary, valued at $1,250.

Belinda Mulder of Beerwah and Jessica Lee of Point Arkwright also received a Henzell Rural and Remote Nursing Bursary to help with the travel and accommodation costs for placements in Cloncurry and Emerald.

Applications are now open for mid-year entry to study at USC, starting Semester 2 on 24 July. Details on how to apply for more than 90 undergraduate and postgraduate programs can be found at www.usc.edu.au/midyear.

— Clare McKay