Turning real-world chaos into calm, confident care

For Vocational Education Teacher Owen Smith, nursing education is about far more than what’s written in a textbook; it’s about turning real-world chaos into calm, confident care and helping the next generation of nurses believe they belong in healthcare. 

“I help our students so that they are not just trained in the theory of nursing but are given the skills to handle pressure, uncertainty and human complexity,” Owen said. 

“I want to take students from nervous beginners to calm and capable clinicians.” 

Having joined Mater Education in 2025, Owen brings his diverse nursing experience, including roles as an army nurse, surfing medic, aeromedical retrieval nurse and even developing a health support plan for the television series Alone, into the classroom to inspire students. 

“As an army nursing officer I’ve deployed on flood operations, supported live fire exercises and worked on remote islands in the Torres Strait at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing health support during border protection operations for Australia.” 

“My role with Mater Education is now as a coach and a storyteller; reframing these experiences and helping students see the bigger picture and understand why what they’re learning really matters.” 

For Owen, success in education looks like watching his students overcome adversity and believe that they can be a successful nurse. 

“When our students succeed, we have bridged the gap between textbook and reality,” Owen said. 

“In that moment, nursing becomes more than just a job, it becomes an adventure with purpose.”  

This International Day of Education (24 January), Owen encourages his fellow teachers to focus less on teaching the ‘what’ and more on bringing the ‘why’ and the ‘wow’ to students in the classroom. 

“Ensuring that we impart the reason why we care for others this way is crucial, especially when we encounter scenarios where we are isolated and are left to make our own decisions as nurses,” Owen said.  

“We as mentors need to get our students excited about nursing; giving them the skills they need to stay calm under pressure. This is built through hands-on experience which fosters confidence through practice and education.” 

For students considering the Diploma of Nursing, Owen has a simple message: take the leap. 

“Nursing is an incredibly interesting and rewarding career,” he said.  

“It’s diverse, allows you to travel, gives you great career progression and offers lifelong learning.”