The passion powering tomorrow's nurses

Matilda Grand

The decision to study nursing represents a life-affirming moment for Matilda Grand (pictured top). “Although I was nervous to change careers at an older age, it has been the best decision I have made… I feel like I have finally found the right path for me.”

Now in the second year of a Bachelor of Nursing at UOW Bega Valley, Matilda is motivated by the flexibility and opportunities that nursing can offer. “I chose to study nursing because it offers a range of pathways and options to suit specific situations, whether it be working in a hospital, in the community, with regular 9-5 hours, or shift work,” she says. “I loved the idea of working in a profession where there is space to progress and the option to change if you find you are no longer enjoying a certain specialty.

Michelle Dcunha

Making the journey from her home in India all the way to UOW Eurobodalla, Michelle Dcunha was fuelled by a childhood ambition from as long as she can recall. “I always wanted to be a nurse, and UOW made my journey smooth with support from my incredible teachers,” Michelle says.

Michelle’s pathway to success is completing a three-year Bachelor of Nursing degree with the opportunity to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) upon completion. “Starting my studies as a mature-age student was challenging but also rewarding,” Michelle says. “Nursing is one of the most respectful and rewarding professions. I love caring for people.”

Lily Caguimbaga

Originally from the Philippines and now a Bachelor of Nursing student at UOW Bega Valley, Lily Caguimbaga found motivation in the dedication of her colleagues. “Witnessing the persistent efforts of nurses personally at work in Aged Care has enhanced my respect for the profession and encouraged me to pursue nursing as my life’s vocation,” Lily says.

Opportunities to gain firsthand industry experience and practical learning are Lily’s favourite aspects of the course. “Clinical rotations at hospitals and other healthcare settings provide first-year students with hands-on experience until they complete the course. This hands-on experience allows us to integrate educational ideas into patient care.”

Robert Alotta

“I chose nursing because I value caring for people, and nursing allows me to help people live their lives while being supported,” says Robert Alotta, a Bachelor of Nursing student at UOW Shoalhaven.

The ability to schedule his classes over two days per week on campus allows Robert to also balance full-time employment and his industrious energy. “My ambition is to work my way up the hospital system to become a Nursing Unit Manager,” Robert says. “But it doesn’t stop there. With lots of experience, I would then love to become an academic and teach the next generation of nurses at UOW.”

Caitlin Liddle

Caitlin celebrated her graduation from the University of Wollongong (UOW) in April with a Bachelor of Nursing, with Distinction, during the Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health ceremony. She was also invited to deliver the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the student body, in recognition of her academic achievement and contribution to UOW. It was a moment that meant more to Caitlin than most. “This graduation is incredibly important and significant for me as I end my streak of chronic dropout and complete my first degree,” Caitlin says.

A proud Bundjalung woman and ambassador for the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, Caitlin is determined to use her nursing degree to make a tangible difference when it comes to Indigenous health and rural health. It is an issue that demands urgent attention, she said, from across the health care spectrum. “My passion for Indigenous health arises from my own Aboriginality and connection to country, family, and community. I see so many of my people, family included, who struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and health problems.”