When registered nurse Mel Sutton was asked to care for an uncooperative patient with a severe necrotic wound, she realised she had the ability to change people’s lives.

“The patient didn’t want to be rolled, didn’t want to be touched. So many support workers had come and gone, and no one asked why the patient was in so much pain,” she shared.

“It turns out the barrier cream that they had been using was making him itchy. It was something as simple as changing his cream that suddenly improved his mood.

“I love helping people feel better about themselves and making a difference to their lives.”

Now working as a Vocational Education Teacher, Ms Sutton’s passion has for helping people has continued. These days, it’s about giving patients, students and colleagues the confidence they need to be the best version of themselves.

“It's about making a positive impact on people’s lives,” she said.

Ms Sutton guides students through their first semester of the Diploma of Nursing course, from their first anatomy and physiology class, through their hospital setting simulations sessions to facilitating their first clinical placement.

"I call us the jack of all trades," she said. 

"We teach theory, mark assessments, help students with their questions and support them every step of the way. It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow and succeed."

For Ms Sutton, encouraging people to join the nursing workforce starts with a simple question: “Why not?”

“For a lot of our students thinking about studying, it’s the fear that stops them,” she said.

“Fear of returning to study after 20 years away from a classroom, fear of failing, fear of placement, fear that they can’t do it.

“If fear is holding you back, don’t let it stop you. There are so many opportunities to flourish and grow in this wonderful profession.

"We are here to help, educate and most of all, inspire."