Mater nurses inspired Lilla to study again

After leaving high school in year nine, Lilla Beckman never imagined she would one day graduate as a qualified Enrolled Nurse.

Now 23, the Dutton Park resident is joining more than 130 students graduating from Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing in Brisbane this week, turning a long-held dream into reality.

Having previously worked as a nanny and photographer, Ms Beckman first dreamed of becoming a nurse at age 15 after witnessing the care her father received at Mater Hospital Brisbane's Hepatology Unit.

“The incredible team there took such good care of him,” she said.

“It was so amazing just seeing how healthcare workers cared for my loved ones and made them feel better.

“I just remember thinking, ‘That's something that I want to do.’”

Ms Beckman found that the Diploma had reignited her passion for education and strengthened her desire to pursue a meaningful career helping others.

“I feel like I've been given a second chance to better myself, to build a better skillset and have a better understanding of the world,” she said.

“It is a course that will make you a great nurse, but also a better person.”

Ms Beckman and her fellow graduates were able to study fee-free over 18 months thanks to the Queensland Government’s Free Nursing initiative.

Mater Education has trained more than 650 enrolled nurses since becoming an approved provider of the initiative in 2023, with an additional 654 students currently studying.

“I'm just so grateful that this course has been fully funded and I can enter the next stage of my career with no debt," Ms Beckman said.

“That has been such a huge help, and I’m incredibly grateful.”

Mater Education Senior Manager, Diploma of Nursing Claire Cureton said that graduates like Lilla are key to meeting the demand for more than 21,300 new nurses in Queensland’s health workforce by 2032.

“Nursing can take you anywhere and our graduates work in a variety of healthcare settings, caring for patients and meeting the need for more nurses across Queensland,” Ms Cureton said.

“Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing is a great way to kickstart your career in healthcare.”

Ms Beckman now has her sights set on university.

“I’m hoping to continue my studies to become a registered nurse or a midwife,” she said.

“Mater Education has given me a great headstart and I'm very excited to continue my healthcare journey!”