Erin embarks on a career in compassion

Speaking at her graduation, she reflected on the highs and lows of completing her Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) with TAFE Queensland, which brought her to this incredible achievement.

“If you had told me on my first day that I’d be speaking at graduation, I would have laughed and said, ‘Yeah, right!’” Erin admitted.

“The endless assessments, the drug calculations that nearly broke my brain, the stress of clinical placements… at one point, I truly thought, ‘That’s it. I’m done. I’ll open a coffee shop instead.’”

Despite the overwhelming pressure Erin pushed through, fuelled by resilience, determination and a lot of coffee, she credits her success to the unwavering support of her teachers, classmates, and loved ones.

Their support helped her acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to register as an Enrolled Nurse, equipping her with the practical expertise required to meet industry demands and deliver high-quality patient care as she pursued a rewarding career in healthcare.

Throughout her course, Erin developed advanced clinical skills, including conducting assessments, contributing to caring for patients with complex needs, administering medications and IV therapy, and applying evidence-based practices.

Skills that she began learning during her TAFE at Schools studies, where she completed both a Certificate II in Health Support Services (HLT23221) and a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115).

Guided by industry professional teachers, her diploma of nursing saw her receive hands-on training in TAFE Queensland’s industry-standard nursing labs, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce.

“To my teachers - thank you for your patience, wisdom, and repeatedly answering the same questions without rolling your eyes too much. You didn’t just teach us skills; you taught us how to care.”

From tackling impossible scenarios in simulation labs to bonding over shared confusion about complex conditions, her classmates played an equally vital role in her journey, and they became more than her peers - they became a family.

“We’ve had moments of pure panic but also moments of absolute success. And if I’m honest – none of us will be able to eat lunch again without discussing wounds or bodily fluids.”

Erin also expressed gratitude to her family and friends, who stood by her through every stressful moment, let her practice vital signs on them, and endured her newfound habit of diagnosing strangers in grocery stores.

Erin’s diploma instilled resilience, teamwork, and the importance of perseverance and taught her technical nursing skills.

“My fellow graduates and I are about to step into a profession where we will see people at their most vulnerable, where kindness and compassion can make all the difference, and where we have the privilege of making an impact every single day,” she said.

As she embarks on her nursing career, Erin encourages her fellow nursing students and graduates to believe in themselves and never give up.

“You will survive and go on to be the nurses you always dreamed of being. No matter how tough the journey gets, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going and never stop following your dreams.”

With a bright future ahead, Erin’s journey is a powerful reminder that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with passion, perseverance, and the right support network.