WHILE Victoria cries out for more nurses, Simone Walters can’t find a hospital willing to train her.

The Sunshine North resident is a third year nursing student at Charles Darwin University.

Although she was scheduled to graduate in June this year, constant red tape and setbacks mean that Simone continues to play a frustrating waiting game.

Despite completing all the requirements of her course, Simone is unable to graduate because she can’t find a hospital in Melbourne willing to take her on for her final placement.

Although she lives within walking distance of Sunshine Hospital, Simone has been refused placement at Western Health because she is classified as an interstate student.

“It’s just ridiculous,” Simone said.

“I live in almost the same suburb as Sunshine Hospital.

“I could actually walk there but I’m being told that I’m an interstate student.”

A mother-of-two, Simone chose to study by correspondence so she could continue to work to care for her family.

Although she lives and studies in Brimbank, Simone is considered to be an interstate student because her university is based in the Northern Territory.

“I’m a local student trying to start my career but I feel like I’m banging my head against the wall.

“I thought doing nursing would be a chance to put back into the community and help people but no one is giving me a chance.”

Simone fears she may be forced to wait another year to graduate, or spend money travelling interstate to complete her placement.

“I really can’t afford to travel far and it would break my heart to be without my kids for six weeks,” Simone said. “But that’s what I'm being forced to consider.

“We keep getting told that we need more nurses and here I am willing to work and no one is willing to give me a chance.”

The 29-year-old believes the government and universities should provide more support for student nurses.

Spokesman Andrew Williamson said Western Health, which operates Sunshine Hospital, was a popular choice for nurses and attracted graduates from a range of Victorian and interstate universities.

He said the hospital received more requests for nursing placements than it could accommodate.

Anyone who can help Simone can email her at simonewalters@optusnet.com.au.