A second chance leads Denny to a new career in nursing

After moving back to Ipswich following a relationship breakdown and knee surgery, Denny found himself reassessing his future.

During his recovery in hospital, a conversation with a nurse would ultimately change the course of his life.

“One of the nurses said to me, ‘What did you want to be when you grow up?’” Denny recalled.

“I said, ‘I wanted to be a nurse, but I'm too dumb for that. I'll just stick to hospitality or security or something like that.’”

The nurse didn't accept that answer.

“She said, ‘You will leave this hospital, you will apply at TAFE or somewhere that offers the Diploma of Nursing and you will try and become a nurse because we need good male nurses,’” he explained.

At first, Denny brushed off the advice. But on the drive home from hospital, he found himself reconsidering.

“By the time I got home from the Gold Coast Hospital to Ipswich, I really thought about it. I thought, ‘You know what? What have I got to lose?’” he said.

That decision led Denny to enrol in the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at TAFE Queensland’s Ipswich campus, a choice he describes as life changing.

While he quickly found his feet in the first stage of the course, Denny admits there were moments when he questioned whether nursing was the right path for him.

“I started stage two and thought maybe I’m not cut out for this,” he said.

“But the support from the teachers was incredible. They weren’t just there to teach. They genuinely wanted to see you succeed.”

Denny credits his teachers, particularly Natalie Morris and Judith Herbertson, with helping him build the confidence to continue.

“They invested their time and energy into me. By the time I got to stage three, I was asking myself why I’d waited so long to do this,” Denny said.

The hands-on learning experience at the Ipswich campus also played a key role in preparing him for the profession.

“When we were in the clinical labs, it felt like we were in a hospital ward rather than a classroom,” Denny said.

“We used the same equipment and practised the same skills you’d use in a healthcare setting. The simulation environments and equipment made the learning feel very real.”

Beyond gaining technical skills, Denny says studying nursing transformed his confidence and outlook on life.

“Before I started, I was always worried about what people thought of me and whether I was capable,” he said.

“Going through the diploma helped me manage my anxiety and believe in myself. I’m most proud of the person I’ve become through the journey.”

After completing his diploma, Denny began working in nursing before taking time out to focus on his health and caring responsibilities for his grandmother.

Denny was eager to continue his studies and enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing (HED007) with a university provider. However, the experience didn't meet his expectations.

“When I first started my bachelor studies with another university, I didn't feel as confident or supported as I had during my diploma,” Denny said.

“After moving to the Bachelor of Nursing with TAFE Queensland, that changed completely.”

“The moment I left the university and came to TAFE, it was like university-level learning with the TAFE ethos. It was real nurses teaching us, not just speaking to us, and they really care if you pass or fail. You're not just a number,” he said.

Now nearing completion of the Bachelor of Nursing (HED007) at the South Bank campus, Denny credits TAFE Queensland's supportive learning environment with helping him build both his confidence and capability as a future nurse.

Denny encourages anyone considering a career change or further study to take the first step.

“Just do it,” he said.

“TAFE Queensland genuinely cares about its students. You’re not just a number. The teachers want you to succeed and they support you every step of the way.”