For Abbey, curiosity and determination paved the way for an extraordinary work experience placement in rural healthcare. Motivated by an interest in nursing and midwifery, she took on a program at Northeast Health Wangaratta that went far beyond observation, giving her hands-on experience across multiple clinical areas. Through this placement, Abbey discovered not only the breadth of opportunities within healthcare but also the confidence and skills to start shaping her own career pathway.
“I visited GOTAFE when I was in primary school already having an idea of the fact I wanted to be a nurse when I got older, we went into the allied health lab as a class and got to meet all the manikins that the students use to practice on, I was amazed by the fact these looked almost identical to humans and could take medical tests,” says Abbey.
Abbey engaged directly with clinical environments, rotating through different departments over four days, gaining hands-on experience rather than observational tasks. The experience offered meaningful responsibilities and an authentic sense of professional work, contributing to her personal growth and understanding of healthcare practice.
“The thing that surprised me the most about working in a hospital was the amount of paperwork you need to fill in, even when providing medication to help with pain relief. I thought paperwork was more just for when you are being admitted and for past medical history.”
Abbey found that the placement broadened her perspective; while she initially wanted to confirm her interest in nursing or midwifery, she came away appreciating other areas of healthcare as much as her original focus.
“The skills that I used for work experience connected with TAFE that I do once a week, which I love. I also really liked psychology as a subject this year and enjoyed learning about how the brain works. On work experience, I got to see lots of MRIs and CT scans taken and it was really cool to learn about.”
Abbey was inspired by the staff, noting that they shared her passion and treated her with the responsibility of an adult, enhancing her confidence and professional curiosity. To other VSV students seeking working experience in the field they are passionate about, Abbey says:
“Go in and just enjoy yourself. You learn so much, meet some amazing people and come out with a bit more knowledge. Say ‘hi’ to people as it could make their day 10x better! Just have fun!”
Abbey’s experience shows that meaningful work experience is about exploring, learning, and challenging yourself in real-world settings. By stepping into a program designed for immersion and responsibility, she gained insights, confidence, and inspiration that will guide her future.
For older students ready to explore their own passions, our Careers team is available to help you identify placements that align with your interests and goals, and to support you in paving a pathway that’s uniquely your own. Contact [email protected].
