IN THE MARKET? – CLICK BELOW FOR OPEN HOMES THIS SATURDAY
Students from Caboolture and Redcliffe are the first in Queensland to take part in a new clinical training pathway that places Diploma of Nursing students directly into hospital and community health settings, giving them earlier hands-on experience as they prepare to join the region’s health workforce.
The program was announced on 25 February and involves 26 students studying through TAFE Queensland who are training to become enrolled nurses.
Clinical Training Close to Home
The group forms the first cohort of the Urapun Clinical School of Nursing, a program created through a partnership between Metro North Health, Redcliffe Hospital, Community and Oral Health services and TAFE Queensland.
The initiative allows Diploma of Nursing students to complete several clinical placements within the same health network while studying. According to health leaders involved in the program, this approach helps students build confidence by working with familiar clinical teams and supervisors throughout their training.
Students will complete four placements as part of the program. Two will take place at Redcliffe Hospital, while two others will be carried out through Community and Oral Health services across Moreton Bay and north Brisbane.
Education leaders involved in the project said the arrangement gives students earlier exposure to real patient care environments while strengthening pathways into the public health workforce.
Supporting Future Nurses in the Community
Health educators say experience in different clinical areas is key to building practical skills before graduation.
During their placements, students may work alongside health professionals in services such as wound care, diabetes management, emergency care and specialty outpatient clinics.
Community and Oral Health services play a large role in the training program. The service supports more than 250,000 patient visits each year through home visits, dental clinics, health centres, mobile dental vans and residential aged care facilities across the region.
Program leaders say learning within these varied environments helps students understand how healthcare works both inside hospitals and in community settings.
Meaning Behind the Name Urapun
The clinical school’s name, Urapun, comes from the Torres Strait Kala Lagaw Ya Western Islands language group and means “one”.
Health leaders say the name reflects the partnership between Redcliffe Hospital, Community and Oral Health services and TAFE Queensland as they work together to support nursing education.
The program also aims to encourage inclusion and participation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the local healthcare workforce.
Education staff welcomed the first group of students during an afternoon tea and badge ceremony attended by nursing educators and Metro North Health staff.
The launch marked the start of what health leaders say could become a long-term training pathway that supports both students and the region’s healthcare services.
Published 5-Mar-2026
CLICK ANY LOGO TO SEE PUBLICATION
