What can you expect from a Diploma of Nursing?

Our graduate and future Enrolled Nurse, Cloey, who has just completed the Diploma of Nursing tells us her story.

I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 4. I am truly passionate and I love helping others. I did surf lifesaving from the age of 9 and carried on doing the surf patrols which meant making sure everyone was safe at the beach. I also taught the nippers (younger kids learning beach safety and doing fun activities) for a couple years.

Practical experiences while studying nursing

I started my Diploma of Nursing just over a year after finishing high school. My favourite experience was the practical aspect of the course. I thoroughly enjoyed practicing with my peers, getting hands-on and working our way through the easy and not so easy procedures. The sessions in the simulated laboratories were so much fun that we were always looking forward to the next one. This definitely made my experience as a student a positive one, it also made it easier to get through the different challenges faced during my studies. Learning in a fun and practical environment definitely make the learning process much easier. I developed real professional skills that I’ll be able to use in my future career.

“My favourite experience so far was the practical aspect of the course. I thoroughly enjoyed practicing with my peers, getting hands-on and working our way through the easy and not so easy procedures. The sessions in the simulated laboratories were so much fun that we were always looking forward to the next one.”

I was determined to be the best student I could possibly be. I managed to get high marks most of the time and when I didn’t, I made sure to understand my mistakes to get a better result the next time. I pride myself on successfully graduating from my Diploma of Nursing along with a Community Pharmacy Certificate, I studied both at the same time!

Nursing placement experience during Diploma of Nursing

My best achievement happened to be in my final acute care placement at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital. I looked after many patients, I noticed that one of them was feeling very lonely and she was becoming really depressed. So, I made a new goal that each day I would make sure to listen to how she was feeling and to give her some of the extra love/company some patients need while in the hospital for a long period of time. I must have done something that made her feel very happy because, during one of my final days in placement, she gave me a lovely letter saying that I provided her with dedication and wonderful care and that she found me to be very caring and attentive. My manager Dorothy told me that my heart is in the right place for nursing and that someday I will make a great midwife. She also told me that I should keep my head held high even through the difficult situations and that was the best piece of life advice I ever received.

“I made a new goal that each day I would make sure to listen to how she was feeling and to give her some of the extra love and company. During one of my final days in placement, she gave me a lovely letter saying how grateful she was for the dedication and wonderful care.”

Starting a career as an Enrolled Nurse

At the end of my Diploma, I left my job at Chemist Warehouse to start working as an Enrolled Nurse in a Medical Centre. I am now about to take the second step toward my dream career. I want to be able to help women in the full experience of childbirth. First, I am going to study a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse. Then, I am planning to take a Pathology course and I will eventually be able to start my Midwifery course. I cannot wait to be able to deliver babies and make a difference in the world. It is something I have aspired to do since I was 4 years old!

To anyone out there who also dream about a career in nursing, I would advise to study hard but don’t be upset if you don’t always get good marks, there is always a second chance. Make the most of the time with your classmates because once you graduate, you may not see them for quite some time unless you get a job together. I can assure the bonds you will make will be for life. It can be the experience of your life, so while working hard don’t forget to have fun. The course is what you make of it