On the path to success: Nursing students finding their way into healthcare

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

Choosing the right path to a career in healthcare can be a daunting decision, but for Gemma and Christina, Wodonga TAFE provided the perfect start. Hear their stories as they talk about the advantages of TAFE’s supportive learning environment, and the pathways which have launched them on their journeys towards a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) and a career in healthcare.

Gemma, decided to pursue TAFE after taking a gap year at the end of her year 12 studies. "I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, but TAFE was my main plan," she shared. Christina, influenced by her family’s own positive experience at TAFE, also opted for this pathway, which was a great option after not completing Year 12 due to the pandemic. "They had this pathway course available here, and I thought I’d try it out, earn some money along the way, and see if I wanted to pursue nursing—which I did."  Both students are passionate about nursing. Gemma loves helping others and making them happy, while Christina values being there for people at their lowest, ensuring they know someone genuinely cares for them.

Gemma and Christina started with different initial courses. Gemma completed the Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021), which helped her secure a job as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). "I quite liked it, and it helped me get a job. I work as a PCA, helping people with their activities of daily living and keeping them company."

Christina started her TAFE journey with a traineeship, studying a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) and working part time at Mount Beauty Hospital. "I was a kitchen assistant and a cleaner in the clinical areas, which was really cool. It gave me a lot of experience interacting with the elderly. It also provided me with relevant knowledge like medical terminology, which gave me a good foundation for my nursing course."

Both students find the nursing coursework tough yet rewarding. Gemma noted, "It is challenging, but we’re handling it." Christina added, "Anatomy and physiology are pretty intense, but the teachers are always available if you need help." Gemma emphasised the importance of these subjects as necessary foundations for other areas of study, with both students praising their teachers, acknowledging their hard work to make the coursework interesting

Balancing TAFE with other commitments is manageable for both students. Gemma works one day a week to ensure she has enough time for studies and doesn’t get overwhelmed. Christina previously worked on weekends and during school holidays but has been able to reduce her work hours thanks to her scholarship. "While I was working, I just did a little bit of study every day." Christina was grateful to receive the Destination Australia scholarship, one of many scholarships available to Wodonga TAFE students, which has been instrumental in funding her studies. "I come from a low-income background, so it's great to have that safety net."

Gemma is currently working in personal care, where her nursing knowledge is highly relevant. She plans to continue her studies and pursue a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse, though she hasn’t decided on a specialty yet. Christina aspires to become a mental health nurse and is considering further studies after TAFE, while building her confidence in the workplace.

Gemma and Christina both recommend TAFE courses to their friends. "It helps get you started. I knew I wanted to do nursing and wanted to build up to it, rather than start off with a really big course like a Bachelor," Gemma explained. Christina appreciates the supportive teachers and the excellent potato cakes at the TAFE cafeteria.

If like Gemma and Christina you are also interested in pathways to nursing, healthcare, and beyond, why not take a look at Community and Health training courses at Wodonga TAFE. Course applications for Semester 1, 2025 are opening soon and there are Free TAFE opportunities within these courses. Our customer experience team are available to help you align your career ambitions with a training course that’s the right fit for you