Dylan goes from Hospitality to Healing

He managed one of the country's busiest and fastest-growing restaurants a few years ago. Yet, despite his success, something was missing, and he realised he’d lost his passion.

“I needed a new career - I had a shortlist of potential pathways, but my love for animals stole my heart,” Dylan recalls.

Determined to turn his passion into a profession, Dylan began volunteering at the RSPCA, where he quickly discovered that veterinary nursing was his true calling.

He enrolled in TAFE Queensland’s Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122- VETNUR) in 2023, stepping into a classroom for the first time in a decade. The nerves were there, but so was his determination.

“My student experience was spectacular, and I was so thankful to be accepted into TAFE Queensland, which prides itself on delivering practical and industry-relevant training,” he explained.

It was so spectacular that Dylan enrolled in the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418) to round out his animal studies training.

The Cert IV equipped Dylan with the technical skills and knowledge he needed to start his dream career as a veterinary nurse.

This course provided hands-on training in essential veterinary nursing practices, preparing students to work in various clinical settings.

“The hands-on components of the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in the industry-standard labs were invaluable,” he said.

He learned to provide nursing care to animals, assist with surgical procedures, monitor anaesthesia, support hospitalised patients, perform clinical pathology, prepare radiography, and veterinary dental nursing.

Guided by his experienced teachers in the industry, Dylan received one-on-one support to develop his skills and confidence.

Armed with the foundational knowledge to work as a veterinary nurse, Dylan was fortunate to secure employment as a trainee nurse, completing his 240 hours of clinical placement at the RSPCA.

The wide range of cases he encountered enriched his learning experience, and he credits the incredible support of his team for helping him succeed.

Dylan is embarking on an exciting new chapter as a Feline Nurse at Cat Specialist Services in Underwood.

“For a graduate, this early to secure a role in a specialist facility is quite an achievement,” he says proudly.

Beyond his career progression, he is eager to give back by mentoring future students during their vocational placements.

“I know firsthand how important it is for students to receive the right resources, guidance, and encouragement to succeed,” he says.

Dylan is immensely grateful for the support he has received along the way.

“To my partner, thank you for being my biggest supporter and giving me clarity when I needed it most. To my incredible educators - Jo, Kim, Maddy, Louise, and Marion - your passion for teaching has inspired us, and your commitment to our success has shaped who we are today.”

He also acknowledges his fellow graduates, who have shared in the challenges and triumphs of the journey.

“We have supported each other, pushed each other, and laughed together. This achievement is just as much yours as it is mine, and I’m proud to share this moment with every one of you.”

Dylan closes with a quote that has guided his journey: “You cannot swim for new horizons until you dare to lose sight of the shore.”—William Faulkner.

His message to anyone feeling stuck? “If you feel like you’ve lost your passion, dive into something that fuels you. It’s never too late.”