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From accountant to nurse
Bachelor of Business graduate Tracy Wick was working in accounting and bookkeeping when she decided to make the bold move to study nursing at TAFE Queensland.
Arundel local Tracy Wicks is on the move when it comes to her career. She's made the bold move to study a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54115) at TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast while she continues with her bookkeeping duties from her home based business.
Tracy, now a wife and mother of three children, always wanted to study nursing but was discouraged by her family to do so straight after school and there were no courses on offer in the town where she grew up in northern New South Wales. Now 25 years later she is realising one of her life’s ambitions.
A diagnosis of diabetes in the family also prompted Tracy to look at her life goal. This ignited the drive within her to undertake a part time, online nursing course, which includes Residential School and work placement, at TAFE Queensland to make a difference for her family’s health and wellbeing.
“I’m an online student, which does require a lot of self-discipline and it works well for me as it’s easier to manage working from home and family life,” said Tracy.
“The nursing course has broadened my knowledge in so many areas of health. I have met some amazing fellow students at residential school, where I put all the knowledge I’ve learned so far into practice.”
“We learned hands-on skills. My favourite has been giving medications and injections,” she said reflecting on completing Residential School at Southport recently.
Tracy finds it easiest to study at night once the children are in bed and with less distractions around her.
“I find having more patience nowadays as well as the internet and online tools available has made it much easier to study”, said Tracy.
But Tracy also acknowledges that undertaking studies at a mature age is a big commitment, and is having to come to terms with starting her career from the bottom again.
“You need to have the drive, motivation and good family support to make it work, but I know it will be so worthwhile.”
Tracy plans to make a difference in the lives of those around her and help those most vulnerable due to the medical issues that challenge so many families.