Mater Private Hospital Springfield guides year 12 student on path to nursing career

Mater Private Hospital Springfield recently welcomed Shardae Wallis a year 12 student from Springfield Central State High School to the hospital for a special tour and opportunity to meet with nursing staff.

Shardae has Cerebral Palsy and recently expressed her desire to pursue a career in nursing however she was unsure what her options were in this field and if this career choice was even a possibility for her.  

Through an existing relationship Springfield Central State High School has with Mater, teachers from the school reached out to Mater staff to see if there was any way they could provide Shardae with information and guidance on a career in nursing.

Nurse Unit Manager Kerry Grafton and Education Coordinator Vanessa Edwards arranged for Shardae to have a tour of the hospital and meet some staff members so that she could gather some information on what a career in heath might look like for her.

“Shardae was initially interested in recovery nursing. She thought it would be rewarding but she wanted to know what other types of nursing were available as most people think of nursing in the sense of working on a ward or within the perioperative environment,” Kerry said. 

“We discussed the different areas of nursing such as outpatient clinics and pre-admission screening plus newer models of care such as preventative health and telehealth services that can be other avenues to pursue.

“She was interested in progressing to a Diploma of Nursing and Vanessa was able to provide some information around the various entry pathways into nursing, including Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing program and explain what the courses involve.”

Shardae has always had an interest in health, especially working with the Mater as she has spent time in hospital in relation to her condition. She feels that the care and treatment she has received made a real difference to her and she would like to give back by becoming a nurse herself.

“She was very clearly an intelligent and determined individual. She definitely inspires me to be informed, question and challenge obstacles and I have no doubt she will make a great nurse,” Kerry said.  

Find out more information about Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing.

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