Helping students discover the confidence to care
After almost a decade working as registered nurse and midwife across Queensland, Bree Rooney’s passion for helping others extends beyond the bedside as she helps shape the next generation of nurses.
Having joined Mater Education 13 months ago as a Vocational Education Teacher for the Diploma of Nursing program in Brisbane, Bree has enjoyed the opportunity to draw from her clinical practice to teach and engage students.
“I feel like my impact extends beyond the individual students that I teach every day,” she said.
“If we support every student to become a confident and compassionate enrolled nurse, they’ll go on to support countless patients, families and communities throughout their career.”
Bree primarily supports semester one Diploma of Nursing students through their initial steps in their study journey, learning about the law and ethics of care, infection control and performing clinical assessments.
“We're not just teaching theoretical concepts. We're also teaching practical skills,” she said.
“One day we might be in the classroom learning nursing concepts and another day we're practising our clinical skills in the labs.”
The most rewarding part of teaching for Bree is seeing students realise what they are capable of achieving.
“It’s been wonderful to support students who feel empowered and excited to begin their nursing journey,” she said.
For Bree, moments like these are a reminder that teaching has an impact far beyond the classroom.
“The little things, even the tiniest things that we do, make such a big difference in people's lives,” she said.
Bree hopes that her colleagues, her students and anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare never underestimate the impact they have.
“Nursing is built on shared experiences and mentorship and I think there is real value in empowering people to recognise their own knowledge and have the confidence to share it with others,” she said.
“Back yourself, stay curious and never underestimate the difference you can make.”
