Personalise my view
“I don’t want to feel helpless” - Why Irish chose nursing
When Irish Tse lost her grandfather, she felt powerless, but it sparked a determination that would shape the rest of her life.
“I don’t want to feel helpless anymore,” she said.
“I want to contribute to the community.”
Now in her second year studying a Bachelor of Nursing (HED007) at TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus, Irish is well on her way to becoming a registered nurse.
Her first patient during placement brought that mission to life.
“He had multiple sclerosis,” said Irish. “
“I saw him get better, and when he thanked me, I knew I was where I was meant to be. It was so rewarding. It still motivates me.”
Irish, 28, began with TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121), which she said prepared her for the academic and emotional demands of the degree.
“It gave me the foundation I needed, not just with writing or assessments, but how to walk into a room, speak to patients, and be confident even when I didn’t have all the answers,” she said.
Now working in the cardiac unit at Pindara Private Hospital while completing her bachelor’s, she’s already applying her knowledge in real-life settings and getting extra hands-on support at TAFE Queensland.
“The support at TAFE is incredible. The teachers go above and beyond. They care about you, not just your grades. I’ve never felt like just a number,” she said.
“They explain complex theories in ways that actually make sense.”
The Southport campus’s realistic training environments and small class sizes gave her space to grow and build confidence to ask questions without fear.
“That’s my advice to other students, be brave. Ask everything. No question is too small,” said Irish.
Irish sees her future in emergency care, where adrenaline and critical thinking meet purpose. And someday, she hopes to volunteer in remote or disaster-affected communities.
“Nursing is never boring. It’s always changing, always growing.”