From spreadsheets to hospital bed sheets: Emma goes from corporate life to nursing

But when she was made redundant after ten years in her corporate role in the health insurance industry, the Gold Coast local saw it as a chance to finally pursue something that had long been on her mind - a career centred on helping others.

“Even though a corporate job offered stability, I always had this sense that something was missing,” Emma said.

“I wanted to do something meaningful that directly made a difference in people’s lives.”

With a background in corporate health insurance and experience as a yoga teacher, Emma had always been passionate about health and anatomy.

Coming from a family of nurses, she decided to align her professional life with her personal interests by enrolling in the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at TAFE Queensland.

The Fee-Free TAFE initiative made this career change possible, removing a major barrier to study and allowing her to focus entirely on her new path.

“Fee-Free TAFE made my decision so much easier,” she said.

“Knowing my tuition was covered meant I could concentrate on my studies and my family instead of worrying about how I would afford it.”

Like many mature-age students, Emma admits she was nervous about returning to study after many years in the workforce.

“I hadn’t studied in such a long time, and I was anxious at first. But the TAFE Queensland staff have been incredible,” she explained.

“Since I enrolled, they’ve been so supportive and understanding, putting my mind at ease, and I feel like I belong here.”

Balancing study, work, and parenting, Emma completes her theory units online through TAFE Queensland's Online Learning, allowing her to fit learning around her busy life.

“Studying online is amazing - it means I can study from home while still being there for my six-year-old. It’s given me the flexibility I need to succeed.”

Complementing her online learning, Emma travels to TAFE Queensland’s Loganlea campus for hands-on lab training in state-of-the-art nursing facilities replicating real hospital wards.

“When I first walked into the labs, I was blown away - it looks and feels just like a hospital,” she said.

“We get to practice everything under the guidance of teachers who are all qualified nurses. Their experience and encouragement make such a difference.”

While she still has a way to go before graduation, Emma is quietly confident about her future.
“I wasn’t sure if I could do it, but now I know I can.

I have the support, encouragement and determination to make me feel more capable and confident that I’ll become a registered nurse.”

For Emma, nursing represents more than just a new job; it’s a lifelong career that offers endless opportunities.

“Once I’m qualified, I’ll be able to work almost anywhere in Australia, and it’s a career for life that offers personal and professional growth, no matter where life takes me.”

Reflecting on how far she’s come, Emma says the decision to retrain with TAFE Queensland has been life-changing for her, as well as the example she’s setting for her young child.

“I’m finally studying for my purpose, proving to my six-year-old and myself that it’s never too late to follow your calling and become who you’re meant to be,” Emma concluded.

Emma is proof that life’s unexpected turns can lead to more fulfilling destinations, and it’s never too late to chase your calling and create the life you’re meant for.