Katie’s making a difference before turning 20

At just 18, Katie Pershoue had already completed school-based training through Mater Education, graduated fee-free from the Diploma of Nursing in and started her career in healthcare.

Now, she is setting her sights on her next adventure.

Katie currently works at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane’s Rehabilitation Unit, where the 20-year-old enrolled nurse enjoys helping patients regain their independence and the variety that her role brings.

“Every day is different,” Katie said.

With patients often recovering from surgery, illness or injury, Katie supports them before returning home, seeing firsthand the tangible impact of her care.

"I really love the patient interaction and the opportunity to help them get home," she said. 

"Seeing patients come into our unit hardly being able to do things independently, to walking out, going home or going back to their facilities by themselves is incredibly rewarding."

While the transition from study to professional practice came with challenges, Katie believes her learning from Mater Education provided her with a strong foundation.

“Working with real people during simulations helped prepare me for the realities of nursing,” she said.

“Studying gives you the knowledge, but working as a nurse is where you learn how to apply it in real life.”

These experiences, both during her Diploma and now in her workplace, have reinforced that healthcare is ultimately about people.

"I think it makes a difference for families to know their loved one is looked after by a nurse who genuinely cares and will advocate for them," Katie said.

Having recently finished Mater's 12-month Enrolled Nurse Graduate Program, Katie's ambition shows no signs of slowing down. 

“In March next year, I will start my Bachelor of Nursing at ACU, with the end goal being to move and work rurally as a registered nurse,” she said.

Her advice to people thinking about following the same career path as her? Stay open to the unexpected.

“There are so many opportunities available in nursing. I didn’t initially plan to work in rehabilitation, but I have really enjoyed it and working with this team,” she said. 

“You just don’t know where nursing can take you. That’s why you take every opportunity and see where it goes.