Student and Supervisor Qualitative Perspectives of the Benefits and Challenges of Longer‐Term Rural Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Placements

OBJECTIVE: To understand student and supervisor perceptions of the benefits and challenges of undertaking longer-term rural placements. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Nursing, midwifery and allied health students who completed a clinical placement of at least 8-week duration in the Darling Downs and South West Queensland regions in 2022 and placement supervisors. DESIGN: Qualitative inductive design using semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Nineteen student and 14 supervisor interviews were conducted. Four key themes were identified-(1) Rural community connection and engagement, (2) Students developing confidence and integrating into healthcare teams, (3) Investing in student supervision and (4) Social, practical and logistical considerations. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that longer-term placements facilitate valuable rural community connections and foster trust between students and supervisors, leading to increased independent practice and, in some cases, reduced supervision workload. Both community connections and integration into healthcare teams are likely to foster place-based connections over the longer duration of placements, thereby positively contributing to rural workforce outcomes. Social, practical and financial challenges were noted, and as such, adequate supports are critical to positive longer-term placement experiences. Rural workforce policy should continue to promote longer-term health placement opportunities, including sufficient support for placement provider organisations and supervisors, to support rural workforce recruitment and retention.