Two staff from our Mental Health team have recently taken the “plunge” to improve their skills at Strength with Immersion Model (SwIM) program placements.
Coen Clinical Nurse Consultant Geraldine Nation and Ed-LinQ Coordinator Nicholas Madgwick had the opportunity to take part in two-week placements within specialist services.
Geraldine described her SwIM experience at the Gold Coast as incredibly positive, highlighting the opportunity to observe and learn in acute mental health and crisis stabilisation settings.
“The supernumerary structure created a safe space to ask questions, learn deeply and build confidence without pressure,” she said.
Geraldine said she returned feeling more capable, supported and inspired.
Nicholas attended the two-week SwIM program in the Eating Disorders Service and Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Service at Metro North HHS.
He reflected on the value of the program and said he was treated as a peer—not a student—which was both empowering and respectful, with skilled nurses providing high quality supervision and guidance.
“The program genuinely strengthened my clinical capability and is something I highly recommend to any nurse wanting to expand their practice,” he said.
Participants return with strengthened confidence, enhanced clinical capability, and practical learnings they can implement in their home communities.
Find out more about what we're doing for our nursing workforce on the Queensland Health website.