Starting a healthcare career in high school
Inspired by the nurses who cared for her nan, Year 12 student Lucy Giddins decided to start her own healthcare career straight away.
The Year 12 St Thomas More College student has become an Assistant in Nursing at Logan Hospital through Mater Education’s Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program.
With a learning health hub located on-site at her high school, Ms Giddins completed a Certificate II in Health Support Services and a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, gaining nationally recognised healthcare qualifications.
“I have seen how important nurses are in supporting people and their families at really awful times in their lives and I would love to be able to do that for others,” Ms Giddins said.
“I spoke to the Mater educators at a careers night in Year 10. They were so nice and explained the different ways to study nursing – that you can still become a nurse without going straight to university.
“That made me decide to choose this path.”
Ms Giddins supports nursing staff on shift as part of Logan Hospital’s casual pool, all while studying for her final year of high school.
“Our educator Rachel was the best. She was so helpful and supportive. She wanted everyone to do well and succeed. It was great just being able to do VETiS on-site at our school campus every week.”
Ms Giddins plans to continue her healthcare studies once she graduates high school.
“I hope to study a Diploma of Nursing with Mater Education at Mater Health Hub, Springfield and then apply for an enrolled nursing position at Logan Hospital,” she said.
“Following that, I would love to go to university and complete a Bachelor of Nursing and work in paediatrics here in Logan as a registered nurse.”
For students considering Mater Education’s VETiS but unsure about taking the plunge, Ms Giddins recommends they take the leap.
“Not everyone follows the ATAR path, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goals,” she said.
“Completing VETiS in Year 11 means I can already work in a hospital while still in high school and gain valuable experience. I am on my way to becoming a nurse!”
