Mrs Sarah Mills1, Mr David Fisher1
1Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Sarah Mills is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing at Charles Darwin University, with extensive experience in teaching, curriculum innovation, and simulation-based education. She is currently completing a PhD examining socio-political, personal, and organisational influences on missed nursing care in Australia. Trained in the United Kingdom, Sarah has clinical experience in intensive care and remote area nursing, having lived and worked across the Northern Territory. Her research focuses on improving patient safety and care quality while supporting nurses’ wellbeing, and sustainable workforce practices, particularly in rural and remote health settings.
Abstract:
The Graduate Certificate in Remote Primary Health Care Practice at Charles Darwin University has been developed to bridge a critical workforce gap by supporting experienced nurses who are seeking to transition into rural and remote practice, as well as those currently working in these settings who wish to deepen their knowledge. Informed by the National Rural and Remote Generalist Framework, the course is designed to build advanced clinical, cultural, and contextual capabilities essential for safe and effective remote practice.
A key component of the program is the mandatory three-day face-to-face simulation intensive, which was recently delivered in Alice Springs. This intensive provided students with an immersive, context-specific learning experience that reflected the realities of remote primary health care. Students participated in inquiry-based learning, case discussions, and practical simulations that strengthened their assessment and decision-making skills. Activities included remote maternity scenarios, application of the RAN Model of Consult, managing acute and chronic presentations, and culturally safe communication. Students also examined the social determinants of health and explored the pivotal role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
This presentation will outline the course structure, describe outcomes from the simulation intensive, and share student feedback demonstrating the program’s value in preparing and strengthening the rural and remote nursing workforce.