I'm an international student currently having finished my first semester of Bachelor Nursing Degree but not done my first clinical placement yet. I live in Darwin, Australia. I tried to apply for a job in Residential Aged care Facilities and was told that Certificate III in Aged Care is preferred and because I don't have experience in physical care. Although I stated that I'm keen to learn and willing to commit to long-term training, it was said that University Students are not as skillful as vocational ones.
I wonder why employers always ask me to have experience but no-one gives me opportunity to gain it?
I started desperate as my university just teaches me theories and unnecessary academic essays, and I'm not learning basic nursing skills. I wish to pursue a career as an aged care registered nurse but I feel like my course is just focusing on scientific and clinical aspects of Acute Care. My study plan has itself eliminated gerontology and aged care placement.
Is there any other Australian student like me outside there ... ? Just give me some advice.