New nurse Lachlan locks in grad position

Lachlan Shorey sold Mazda's and helped people with insurance claims, but it wasn't until he enrolled in Mater Education's Diploma of Nursing that he found his true calling. 

The 23-year-old graduated as an Enrolled Nurse last week and can't wait to make a difference to the lives of others. 

The former Mareeba local, who moved to Brisbane when he was 17, said his family encouraged him to give it a go. 

"My grandma has just retired from nursing after a 35 year career at the Mareeba Hospital, so she inspired me to become a nurse, too," he said.

"I love helping people and making them smile when they're at their worst point." 

Lachlan was one of 122 students who graduated from the Diploma in Brisbane, critical in bolstering the healthcare workforce shortage across the state. 

He has already secured a graduate position at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane.

"I was lucky enough to get a job on the Haematology and Oncology ward where I've been working for the last five weeks," he said.

"I like to keep the patients lively and improve their day with a conversation."

Executive Director Mater Health Donna Bonney said new nurses like Lachlan would play a vital role in caring for Queenslanders for many years to come.

“COVID-19 has highlighted just how important nurses and other health professionals are to the community,” she said. 

“New Enrolled Nurse graduates are needed right across the healthcare industry and I know this group has a bright future ahead of them.

“These new nurses will go on to work in Mater hospitals and other hospitals across Brisbane, Queensland and beyond.”

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, applications are now open for the next intake of Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing. 

Apply today to start studying in Brisbane in October 2022 and Townsville in January 2023: https://mater.li/ApplyForDoN