I am a very proud Ngemba woman - a descendant of the Ngemba tribe from Mount Gundabooka, South of Bourke in Outback NSW.
Since a very young age, I had always felt that nursing was a calling for my career. I am a naturally caring, empathetic, and gentle natured person. I feel deep connections to people and understand that our life experiences and culture shape the way that we see the world around us. I love meeting new people and feel that nursing is such a special and honourable career. When I was younger I had some kidney issues and spent quite some time in Wollongong hospital. I admired the gentle nature of the nursing staff and aspired to be just like them one day.
Sadly, for a very long time, I believed that I was not smart enough to become a Registered nurse. These beliefs were based on that I had never completed high school and due to complicated family life, I did not have the opportunity to be supported to attend university in my younger years. As I have grown older, I have grown to realise that I have everything that it takes to become a fantastic Registered nurse. Fortunately, UOW has many options and pathways for studying higher education.
Attending UOW and completing my bachelor of nursing degree was full of highlights. Attending clinical placement was always a highlight as well as a challenge to work full-time unpaid, as well as juggling home life and caring for my family. I have made some great lifelong friendships that definitely helped me get through every single semester!
My goal for post-graduation was to gain a Gradstart RN position with NSW Health within the Illawarra Shoalhaven local health district (ISLHD). I am so proud that I successfully gained a Gradstart 2021 position with the support of Caitlin Stuart, the Employability Co-Ordinator, from WIC who supported and assisted me to prepare for my application and interview. I am very interested in working in cardiology and have gained a 6-month rotation in 2021 in Wollongong Hospital cardiac ward. I feel very passionate about heart health, unfortunately, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are at a much higher greater risk of developing heart disease. I hope that I can support and provide culturally safe nursing care to all of the patients that I care for in the future.
My best advice would be to always be as prepared as possible. Create a planner for each semester and plan carefully for each week. Always make time for self-care, throughout my studies I dedicated at least one morning every week to visit nature and to recharge myself. This included walking on the beach barefoot, setting up a healthy picnic with a beautiful view or bushwalking to a waterfall.
You can do it! It all starts with believing in yourself!
If you see me at the hospital don’t be afraid to say hello! Best of luck with your studies and future career!