Rural Nursing Scholarship Program

I am passionate about nursing and giving back to my community.   I have lived in the area for most of my life excluding 2 years in Western Australia. It was here I began to appreciate the disparity of remove locations.   I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to study directly across the road from where I attended High School.   I never imagined I would go on to gain a tertiary education and am the first in my family to do so.

I had originally summited an EOI for my final placement at Broken Hill Hospital.

Nursing is a profession often associated with compassion, dedication and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.   For me, this calling to become a Registered Nurse goes beyond mere profession; it is deeply rooted in my personal history, my love for my community, and my  aspiration to inspire my two young children.    Born and raised in the Bega Valley of NSW, I have spent my entire life in this beautiful, close-knit community.   It is here that I have found my purpose as I embark on my journey to become a Registered Nurse.

Growing up in Eden, a small town within the Bega Valley Shire, rural nursing has always been my passion.   Living in a small community with limited health services, my vision is to positively impact the health service industry in rural and regional areas.   Experiencing the lack of resources within a rural area, my peers and family have to travel long distances for basic health care needs and staff shortages, I view these challenges as an opportunity for personal and professional growth and it would be an accomplishment to overcome these.   I wish to become a rural nurse for the deep level of person-centred care developed within these unique settings.   Fostering a sense of belonging and connection with patients creates a sense of belonging in a close-knit community which I believe would be highly fulfilling.

I grew up on a farm in a small regional town called Gundagai and moved to the Snowy Mountains when I was 10.   From there, I completed my secondary education at Monaro High School and received my higher school certificate.   I have just completed the final year of my degree of Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Wollongong Bega campus.

Nursing to me, is the start of a chapter of many more to come.   I see nursing as a challenging but rewarding career that is forever changing and adapting.

There are many reasons why I wish to be a rural nurse, the real question is why would I not want to be a rural nurse?   I currently reside in Maffra, after spending my childhood years in Sale.   I am currently employed with a local disability service where I provide support and access to the local facilities.  As part of the organisation, we run a not for profit café where clients can develop their skills and strengthen their employment opportunities.    I am a netball coach with the Sale Net ball association were I donate my time to coach young netballers, fundraise and volunteer with in the club

Growing up in a regional community I have seen first-hand the importance and impact that rural hospitals have on communities.   They have demonstrated that there is more to healthcare then just providing medical services; that it provides community support.   The sense of community is an important factor for me as I have grown up assisting the community through many services projects, such as Lions Australia and the Australian Mentoring Experience (EIME).

It was through these programs that I demonstrated my passion for serving others and was inspired to become a health professional.  the community has attracted me into rural nursing as it demonstrated a holistic approach to health and the benefits a community can have on an individual’s health and well being.

I have grown up in a rural community and I always wanted to give back to this community. I am married to a dairy farmer, and we have 2 children and live on the family farm.  I have always lived in the Gippsland region near Maffra and experienced a wonderful rural upbringing and I want the same for my children. I am currently working within my local rural community in an aged care facility as an enrolled nurse. While in this role I care for the elderly, building a rapport with them and their families, communicating effectively, and I have the confidence to speak up and advocate for them if something was not right.

From my experience as an enrolled nurse, I decided I wanted to give more back to my community holistically and clinically so I decided to complete my Bachelor of Nursing degree.

Since a young age I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. Growing up my younger brother spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals due to illnesses and allergies. The many hospital appointments and procedures opened my eyes to the industry and it is here I became fascinated with the nursing career. Being surrounded by such a caring, loving, and supportive environment made me idolise these nurses and passionate in thinking that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I was born and raised in the local Sale and Maffra community which I also attended school and played for local community sporting groups. I love the community I live in and wouldn’t of had it any other way. After graduating high school I started my bachelor of nursing degree at federation university Churchill campus.

Throughout my degree I spent majority of my 800 placement hours within local community hospitals within the area.