Historically, BN students have undertaken aged care placements in their first year of study, often without supervision by an RN and instead working with an assistant in nursing (AIN).

While this provides valuable learning opportunities, the experience is not always directly related to becoming an RN. Given that first-year students have not yet learned about complexity, they may struggle to understand the role of the RN in caring for older people. As a result, they cannot aspire to a role they have not seen in action.

CPOP students, on the other hand, are in their second or third year of a BN course or the second year of a Graduate Entry Masters (GEM) course. They work directly with RNs in clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience.

By this stage of their studies, they have learned about complexity, and their placements with RNs provide valuable exposure and a deeper understanding of what nursing older people truly involves.

Further enhancing this experience, clinical facilitators who support students on placement have received specialised training in gerontological nursing. Both clinical facilitators and students are supported with resources such as a student reflective workbook and a community of practice to deepen their understanding and experience.