The prescription for a promising future

When Irish Tse watched her family and neighbours rally around her sick grandfather in the Philippines, she desperately wanted to help.

But without the medical knowledge or skills to make a difference, all she could do was stand by.

“My grandfather had a disease when I was about 21 years old, and I remember it took the whole village to take care of him,” Irish recalled.

“I was sitting there feeling helpless, not being able to contribute to his wellbeing. I really loved him – and the helplessness was killing me.”

It was an experience that would shape Irish's future and ultimately inspire her to pursue nursing.

“I want to be a nurse to help my community, my parents and everyone around me,” she said.

Today, Irish is well on her way to achieving that ambition, having completed a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at TAFE Queensland, before progressing to the Bachelor of Nursing. She also appears in TAFE Queensland’s new ‘Make Your Great Happen’ campaign.

And while her journey began with a desire to help others, it's also become a story of personal achievement, newfound confidence and possibilities she once thought were beyond her reach.

Irish was drawn to TAFE Queensland because of its practical training and experienced teachers.

“TAFE is always appealing because there's a lot of hands-on experiences, and the teachers all specialise in different areas. We can actually learn from their real-life experience.”

Having enjoyed her diploma studies, Irish chose to continue her nursing education at TAFE Queensland.

Now working as an enrolled nurse (EN) in a cardiac ward while completing her bachelor's degree, Irish is putting her training into practice – from clinical assessments and ECGs to patient care and emergency procedures.

“Being in a clinical space has become second nature now. I don't have to be hesitant with what I'm doing,” she said.

“Every time I walk in and greet a patient, it's just become a day-to-day practice.”

Irish recalled how her teachers' insistence on practising emergency procedures has given her the confidence to respond.

“I remember on my last placement, one of our teachers was running advanced life support. And because she's been drilling us with all these practical steps, whenever I'm on placement, I know exactly what my position is when there's a medical emergency.

“And because of that, I am forever grateful.”

And when she encounters something unfamiliar, she knows exactly where to turn.

“Having this teacher support is a lifeline. Being a nurse is a commitment to learning, and having this support around me, I believe I can always come back to them anytime.”

While Irish's nursing education is helping her establish a rewarding career, its value has extended back to where it began.

When her grandmother recently suffered a stroke in the Philippines, Irish was able to guide her family through aspects of her care from Australia.

With limited access to affordable private healthcare, her family drew on Irish's nursing knowledge to help prevent pressure injuries, maintain hydration and monitor her grandmother's neurological condition.

“My mum flew in, and I was able to instruct her,” Irish explained.

Although her grandmother sadly passed away, Irish was grateful she could help her family care for her during a difficult time.

It was a poignant reminder of why she first pursued nursing, and just how far she had come since feeling helpless at her grandfather's bedside.

As she works towards becoming a registered nurse (RN), Irish is excited about the many directions her career might take.

“I saw online that the air force is looking for nurses, and I've always had a passion for aviation. I'm just not really good at mathematics, so I didn't become a pilot. But after that, I was like, why not the air force? I can help people and do something that I'm passionate about.

“That's what's great about nursing – it can take you everywhere you want to be,” she said.

Irish also hopes to become a clinical nurse and potentially a nursing educator, passing on her knowledge to future nurses.

But while she's excited about the possibilities ahead, it's how far she's already come that gives Irish the greatest sense of achievement.

“I'm most proud that I've completed my Diploma of Nursing, and now I'm progressing to complete my Bachelor of Nursing. I never dreamt that I could actually get a degree.”

And there's one person who's been particularly surprised by just how much she’s achieved – her mum.

“I remember one day when I was in primary school, my mum was like, ‘I can't believe you passed primary school,’” Irish recalled.

“And now she sees that I'm actually finishing my bachelor's – I believe I've made her the proudest parent ever.”

Having accomplished more than what she thought possible, Irish has some simple advice for anyone considering a new direction.

“The most important thing is to believe in yourself.”

“Just be curious and just ask.”