Navigating careers for neurodivergent nurses
A new CQUniversity project is set to improve pathways into clinical placement and careers for neurodivergent nurses – and students with lived experience are invited to help drive the transformation.
Co-designing Confidence: Careers in Health for All is a collaborative project with CQU’s Social Impact Lab and School of Nursing and Midwifery, to develop employment skills and inclusive supports.
Enabled by a Queensland Government Growing Workforce Participation Fund grant, it’s also supported by CQU’s Accessibility and Equity team.
From February 2026, neurodivergent students, nurses and healthcare professionals will share their insights to co-design practical, meaningful solutions to workplace challenges facing new nurses.
Social Impact Lab Program Manager Sara Brown said participants across six workshops will help develop new resources to support neurodivergent Nursing students to navigate healthcare placements and careers.
“We know neurodivergent Nursing students will make great nurses, but the transition to work can be challenging,” she explained.
“If that sounds like you, your lived experiences can help shape better preparation and support, not just for yourself but for others navigating the healthcare sector too.”
Participants will also make new connections for career opportunities, be paid for each workshop they attend, and be formally recognised as a contributor and co-author of the resources.
The workshops will be held at CQU Rockhampton, and feature fun and creative activities to drive development of new supportive resources.
To participate, email Sara via s.e.brown@cqu.edu.au.
Earlier this month, CQUniversity launched its Disability-Informed Action Plan, developed and co-designed with staff and students who live with disability.
The inaugural plan acknowledges barriers experienced by people who live with disabilities, and provides a 'roadmap' to reduce challenges, so every individual can thrive, achieve, contribute and succeed at CQU.
CQUniversity’s Accessibility and Equity team currently provides services, assistive technology and advocacy to nearly 1000 students across the University.
Explore how CQUniversity supports students living with disabilities at the Accessibility and Equity website.
