What's it like being a nursing student?
Ella Byrnes is on the countdown until she graduates as an Enrolled Nurse through Mater Education's Diploma of Nursing (DoN).
The team at Mater Education chatted with Ella about her DoN experience.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m 19 years old and I live in Townsville. I grew up a pretty active, energetic kid. My dad put me into almost every sport/ hobby possible: athletics, swimming, touch footy, gymnastics (the list goes on). As I got older, I realised that I really enjoyed working with people in a team. I graduated from high school about two years ago and went straight into the Diploma of Nursing.
2. What stage of the Diploma of Nursing are you at?
I’m currently on my last placement before I graduate in July.
3. Why did you decided to pursue nursing?
I had just graduated from high school and was still unsure of my career paths path. I heard through a friend about this 18 month program and decided to give it a go!
4. What have you enjoyed the most so far?
The placements have been the most enjoyable part so far! It’s so much fun when you are able to bring everything that you have learnt from class into the real nursing field. I've also loved the Workplace Readiness SIM. This is normally a day that happens a week before each placement: volunteers are brought into our simulation rooms and act as patients.
5. What's been the biggest challenge?
Transitioning straight from high school back into another classroom - I always used the excuse of ‘I never got a break’. I have definitely changed my mindset throughout the course and definitely don’t regret my decision as now I’ll have this Diploma under my belt now rather than later.
6. What are your plans post-Diploma?
I’m looking into a post-graduate position to increase my knowledge and gain more experience. I'm very interested in a post-grad position at Mater.
