University of New England (UNE) alumna, Caterina Da Ruos, is helping to shape the future of nursing in her role as a clinical facilitator, guiding students as they navigate the challenges of their clinical placements.
Caterina, who graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2014, is one of many UNE alumni making significant contributions to regional health and is testament to the university’s strength in producing highly skilled healthcare professionals.
As a clinical facilitator, Caterina plays a crucial role in helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice. She believes that UNE nursing students consistently excel during these placements, highlighting their critical thinking, hands-on approach, and eagerness to engage in extra learning opportunities.
"My role is to support students through their placements and encourage them to link what they’ve learned in the classroom with practical skills in the field," she explains.
"Watching students develop their clinical skills and professional identity is incredibly rewarding. It prepares them for their future roles in healthcare."
Caterina credits UNE with equipping her with the knowledge and resources that have been instrumental in her career, particularly in emergency and trauma nursing.
"UNE gave me the foundation I needed to thrive in nursing," she says. "I would recommend UNE to any aspiring health professional who wants to be part of a supportive and growth-oriented environment."
In regional placements, Caterina sees unique advantages for nursing students.
"Regional hospitals often deal with critical medical situations, and students are exposed to skills like CPR and medical retrievals in real-time. The smaller scale of these facilities allows students to work closely with educators, which isn't always possible in larger tertiary hospitals."
While still dealing with a pandemic-induced backlog, Caterina remains enthusiastic about her work.
Thank you card from Caterina's first-year nursing students.
"The pandemic temporarily halted placements and created a backlog of students, but it also allowed me to explore new ways of delivering clinical education. We had to adapt quickly, but it led to innovative group learning approaches, which actually enhanced the students' experience."
Caterina’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of nurses is evident in her dedication to helping students achieve their goals.
"I love seeing students push their boundaries, embrace critical thinking, and grow into confident professionals," she says. "It’s about planting seeds of knowledge and watching them flourish."
I tell them to "Go all in! Placements are your chance to explore different areas of nursing, develop your skills, and build confidence. Take every opportunity to engage and learn."
Outside of work, Caterina enjoys spending time at Newcastle beach with her five-year-old daughter, Maddison, and indulging her passion for trauma nursing with occasional shifts in emergency departments.
Caterina and daughter Maddison at the beach.
Want a career that has real impact? Study nursing at UNE and make a difference in people's lives.
