Stacey goes from cancer survivor to nursing career

Now 35, Stacey is studying a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at TAFE Queensland, supported by Fee-Free TAFE funding, and steadily building a future shaped by lived experience, resilience and a deep desire to give back.

Growing up in a large farming and medical family in rural New Zealand, Stacey was surrounded by health professionals her whole life.

But it wasn’t until she became a cancer patient that she was inspired by those who cared for her, changing her career path.

“The nurses who looked after me during my treatment inspired me to become a nurse so I could give patients the same care and hope I received,” Stacey said.

“Their compassion, empathy and advocacy made such a difference, and I want a career where I can be that person for someone else.”

Her experience navigating cancer has sparked a strong interest in mental health and gynaecology, areas she hopes to specialise in as a Registered Nurse.

“For me, providing the same level of care means understanding that when a patient is unwell and vulnerable, they are trusting you completely to act in their best interests.”

Before studying to become a nurse, Stacey worked for 18 years as a skin therapist, until the pandemic significantly changed her industry. Combined with her diagnosis, it prompted a reassessment of her career goals.

“I’m a mature-aged student with financial responsibilities, so flexibility was essential to returning to study,” she said.

Studying part-time while working, Stacey found the combination of online and on-campus learning at TAFE Queensland made the transition back into education achievable.

“The blend of learning from anywhere and learning in the campus labs has given me the flexibility to balance work and study – something I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”

Stacey discovered TAFE Queensland through the Fee-Free TAFE initiative, which she says was critical in making her nursing career possible.

“The Fee-Free program was vital. All my prior education was in New Zealand, and I am too old to obtain an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank for direct entry into a Bachelor of Nursing,” she said.

“Completing my diploma first has allowed me to test the waters and made me far more ready to move on to the bachelor's and then into nursing. I genuinely wouldn’t have been able to pursue this career without Fee-Free TAFE.”

A consistent highlight of Stacey’s experience has been the support she’s received from her teachers.

“They have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they’re so passionate about nursing and genuinely want their students to succeed,” she said.

“They’ve taught me so much - not just about the industry and medicine, but about myself. They encouraged everyone and could see what we were capable of, especially during times when we felt overwhelmed.”

Just as important have been the friendships formed along the way.

“The most enjoyable part of studying at TAFE Queensland has been my classmates. We’ve built lifelong friendships, and I honestly couldn’t have made it through the last two years without them.”

Returning to study later in life came with its doubts, but Stacey says she’s been pleasantly surprised and feels ready for what’s next.

“The most surprising thing has been how easy the process is for someone later in life,” she said.

Through hands-on learning and industry placements, Stacey now feels confident in her developing skills and is prepared to take the next step into a Bachelor of Nursing (HED007) with TAFE Queensland.

In the long term, she hopes to work in Queensland’s health system as a Registered Nurse in mental health or gynaecology, while maintaining the flexibility to spend more time with her family back in New Zealand.

“I recommend studying at TAFE Queensland. The combination of Fee-Free TAFE and flexible delivery makes it possible to study later in life - something that previously may not have been achievable,” concluded Stacey.