National Rural Health Students Network (NRHSN)
2008 has been a huge year for the NRHSN. We have had a name change, organised and run a hugely successful NURHC, the launch of "Wide Horizons", as well as welcoming 3 new Rural Health Clubs into the network.
Name Change
The National Rural Health Network is no more. It was decided that 'Students' should be added to our name to better portray who we are to the wider community.
NURHC 2008, April 3-5
The National University Rural Health Conference (NURHC) was a great opportunity to meet health students from all over Australia and hear what they're up to, as well as listening to many interesting speakers ranging from students' remote placement experiences to Senator Bob Brown's perspective on health education. The latest in health education directions was discussed, and students had ample opportunity to give input. All delegates will receive the proceedings CD in July/August. Check out the NRHSN NURHC page here.
Wide Horizons. Health students get out of town
Launched at NURHC 08, Wide Horizons. Health students get out of town follows Josh Crase (medical student), Felix Ho (Paramedic student) and Rachel Jenkins (nursing student) on rural placements in Mareeba, QLD and Katherine and Alice Spings, NT. Josh, Felix & Rachel all grew up in city areas but have chosen to undertake rural placements as part of their studies. It follows the highs and lows of their placements and includes social experiences ranging from bungee jumping to camel riding, and of course their clinical experiences.
Rustica has many copies of the DVD available to members, and plan to show the film at an event in 2008.
What is the NRHSN?
The National Rural Health Students Network (NRHSN) represents 27 Rural Health Clubs with over 6500 members located at universities throughout Australia. The NRHSN is a multidisciplinary Network representing medical, nursing and allied health students aiming to increase the health workforce and health outcomes for rural and remote Australians.
Since its establishment in 1996 following the inaugural National Rural Medical Undergraduate Conference in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia the NRHSN has grown from 100 Medical students into an active multidisciplinary student organisation. The NRHSN now represents Allied Health, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical and Dentistry students.
The NRHSN is a peak body that harnesses the passion of health students through representation, networking, professional development and initiatives to increase the health workforce and health outcomes for rural and remote Australians. NRHSN members share a common interest in rural and remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The NRHSN exists to provide access to support, opportunities and information, promoting equality and future health careers.
The NRHSN achieves its aims through locally based activities at rural health clubs (such as Rural High School Visits to promote health courses as a possible career option, speaker nights, workshops, scholarship nights and social events), as well as a national approach to issues such as Indigenous health and curricula.
The NRHSN is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) and is auspiced by Rural Health Workforce Australia (RHWA). Further information can be obtained on the NRHSN website at www.nrhsn.org.au.
Aim of the NRHSN
The primary aim of the NRHSN is to provide a communication network between rural health clubs across Australia, for the sharing of ideas and information. The idea of providing RHC's with ideas and information is to enable them to become pro-active in issues affecting rural health.
For example;
- RAMUS (Rural Australian Medical Undergraduate Scholarship)
- JFSS (John Flynn Scholarship Scheme)
- Bonded Medical Places
- Medical Rural Bonded Scholarships
- Rural Placements and attachments
- Allied Health Rural Scholarships
- Lobbying for the inclusion of more Indigenous health in the curriculum across all health science courses
The NRHSN also strongly support and promote the multidisciplinary approach to rural and remote health care across Australia.
So, who is the NRHSN?
The NRHSN is made up of:
- NRHSN Executives including:
- NRHN co-chairs
- NRHN Secretary
- Executive Support Officer
- Portfolio Representatives
- Representatives from the 27 Rural Health Clubs:
- ACT
- ARMS - Australian National University
- CRANC - University of Canberra
- NSW
- BREAATHHE - Newcastle University
- MARHS - Charles Sturt University, Albury Campus
- MIRAGE - University of Sydney
- NERCHA - University of New England
- RAHMS - University of NSW
- RHUUWS - University of Western Sydney
- SHARP - University of Wollongong
- WARRIAHS - Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga Campus
- NT
- CARAH - Charles Darwin University (Alice Springs)
- TEHC - Charles Darwin University (Darwin)
- QLD
- HOPE4HEALTH - Griffith University
- RHINO - James Cook University
- TROPHIQ - University of Queensland
- SA
- AURHA - Adelaide University
- FURHS - Flinders University
- ROUSTAH - University of South Australia
- TAS
- RUSTICA - University of Tasmania
- VIC
- AWAIRH - La Trobe University (Wodonga)
- LARHC - La Trobe University (Bendigo)
- NOMAD - Deakin University
- OUTLOOK - University of Melbourne
- WILDFIRE - Monash University
- WA
- KRASH - Notre Dame University
- SPINRPHEX - University of Western Australia
- WAALHIIBE - Curtin University, Edith Cowan University
How do we communicate?
The three primary mediums of communication are email, teleconferencing and a national newsletter. Teleconferencing occurs on a needs basis and is attended by one student representative from each club, a national chair and portfolio holders. Through the dedicated efforts of a number of students the NRHSN has also generated a web site with a view to promoting interest in rural and remote health care amongst academic staff, health care professionals and to the community in general. In addition a national conference is held annually to provide a positive rural experience and the opportunity for face-to-face interaction and discussion of important rural and remote health care issues.
National Rural Health Students Network Website
The future direction of the NRHSN will continue to be influenced by the input of student rural clubs. At this point in time priority is being given to enhancing the communication mechanisms, integrating allied health undergraduates into the network and creating effective strategies for liaison between the NRHSN and other national rural interest groups.
For more information - email your Rustica NRHSN representative.
The NRHSN also produces a biennial newsletter - Cooee! This contains reports from all the rural health clubs around Australia, as well a run down on what the NRHSN has been up to in the past 6 months. The latest edition, April 2008 is available from the rustica office, various places at UTAS campuses, and is also available online.
When The Cowpat Hits The Windmill
The Mental Health Guide, When the Cowpat Hits the Windmill , a joint project between the NRHSN and beyondblue: the national depression initiative was launched at the NRHSN Forum in Albury on 7th March 2007.
The Mental Health Guide was written by students for students at university or on placement studying medicine, nursing allied health and dentistry. Copies will be distributed to all rural health clubs in May, or can be obtained by calling the NRHSN on 03 9639 1742 or by Email .
CoNS Funding
All Rural health Club members are eligible to apply for Conferences of National Significance Funding to attend a conference that has a rural and/or remote focus and can be discipline-specific or have a general allied health focus. The costs that the NRHSN can cover include registration fee, travel costs and accommodation costs up to $70 per night.
Members can obtain further information, including guidelines, application forms, and a list of eligible CoNS on Rustica's Conferences page. You can also read reports from members who have recently received funding to attend a conference here.
Applications should be submitted to Rustica's NRHSN Senior Rep.