Bright start for Mater Townsville’s first nursing graduates

27/Aug/2021     EducationMater Group

This week we celebrated the graduation of the first 19 students from our Townsville Diploma of Nursing program.

 Fourteen of the nursing students have already secured healthcare positions, including six who will start work at Mater Private Hospital Townsville this month.

 Mater Education’s EN program is unique to North Queensland because all students are taught on-site at Mater hospitals. They also benefit from hands-on work placements with Mater.

Shani Scott (29) was working as a beautician 18 months ago and is about to start full-time work as an Enrolled Nurse at Mater Private Hospital Townsville, as part of its clinical graduate intake.

 “I loved helping and connecting with people when I worked in a salon, so I thought nursing could be a great career for me,” Shani said.

 “Now my only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner. I did two placements at Mater and I loved it and this week I’ll be working on the wards as an Enrolled Nurse. I’m so excited.”

 Josephine Bong (36) will be joining Shani at Mater Private Hospital Townsville after she completed the Diploma of Nursing course with the support of a Mater Indigenous scholarship.

“I’ve always worked in healthcare as an Assistant in Nursing, but I wanted to my further my career by becoming an Enrolled Nurse,” Josephine said.

“The course was great and now I plan to keep studying to become a Registered Nurse.”

 Mater Education’s Executive Director, Donna Bonney, said a further three student intakes have commenced the Diploma of Nursing course and that applications are now open for the next intake, with study due to start in January 2022.

“Mater Education provides a unique offering that aims to develop the best possible Enrolled Nurses in Australia and provide much-needed nurses for Mater and beyond,” Donna said.

“Whilst this is our first graduation in Townsville, it certainly won’t be the last!”

Mater Private Hospital Townsville Executive Officer Libbie Linley said Enrolled Nurses were in high demand across North Queensland and the rest of the state.

“Mater has trained outstanding nurses and midwives for more than 160 years and it’s wonderful to see that training expertise being offered to students in Townsville,” Libbie said.

“New Enrolled Nurse graduates are needed right across the healthcare industry and I know the class of 2021 have a bright future ahead of them.”

If you're ready to start your nursing career, apply today!

Public relations contacts

07 3163 6142