A profession filled with love, these nursing students speak to the charm of nursing and its noble ideals!

Last Sunday, May 12th, was not only Mother's Day but also International Nurses Day. The nursing program at the University of Wollongong (UOW) enjoys a very high reputation worldwide (ranked 51-100 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject), having cultivated many outstanding nursing talents. On the occasion of International Nurses Day, we invited current nursing students and graduates from UOW to share their motivations for choosing a career in nursing and their aspirations within this profession. Their stories not only reflect their pursuit of dreams but also narrate the unique charm of nursing..

Matilda Grand

Second-year nursing student at UOW

Choosing to study nursing was a turning point in Matilda's life. She said: 'Although I had previous work experience in other industries and was nervous about changing careers at an older age, this is definitely the best decision I have made... I feel like I have finally found the path that suits me.

Currently, Matilda is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing at UOW's Bega Valley campus. The flexibility and opportunities provided by nursing inspire her to keep striving forward. She said: 'I chose to study nursing because it requires more adaptability, deciding on the approach and method based on a series of situations suitable for specific circumstances, whether in hospitals, communities, or fixed nine-to-five jobs or shift work, it all depends on the situation.' She also said, 'I like working in a profession that constantly has room for improvement. If you find that you no longer like a certain profession, then you can choose to change.

Michelle Dcunha

Michelle came all the way from India to study at UOW's Eurobodalla campus. Since she can remember, she has been motivated by her childhood ambitions. She said: 'I have always wanted to be a nurse, and the outstanding teachers at the University of Wollongong have made my future nursing career journey smooth, providing me with a lot of valuable support.

Michelle is on the path to future success. After completing a three-year Bachelor of Nursing, she will have the opportunity to register as a member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMBA). 'Starting to study nursing as an adult student is challenging but also very meaningful and rewarding.' Michelle believes that nursing should be one of the most respected and valuable professions, and she also enjoys taking care of others.

Lily Caguimbaga

Lily is from the Philippines and is currently a nursing undergraduate student at UOW's Bega Valley campus. She is inspired by the dedication of her colleagues. 'Witnessing nurses persevere in their efforts in elderly care has enhanced my respect for this profession and inspired me to take nursing as my lifelong career.

Lily said that the opportunity to quickly gain first-hand industry experience and practical learning is one of her favorite aspects of the major. She said: 'Clinical rotations in hospitals and other medical institutions provide practical experience for first-year students until they complete the course. This practical experience allows us to integrate the theories we have learned into patient care.

Robert Alotta

Robert is a nursing undergraduate student at UOW's Shoalhaven campus. He said he chose nursing because he is very willing to take care of others, and nursing allows Robert to help others live their lives.

Robert attends classes on campus for more than two days a week, allowing him to balance the energy required for full-time work and study. He said: 'My goal is to advance in the hospital system and become a nursing department manager. But it doesn't stop there; with rich experience in the future, I would like to become a scholar and teach the next generation of nursing talents at the University of Wollongong.

Caitlin Liddle

Caitlin graduated from UOW this year with a Bachelor of Nursing with excellent grades and participated in the graduation ceremony held by the Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health at UOW in April. Given her outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the University of Wollongong, she was also invited to deliver a thank-you speech on behalf of the student body.

As a Bundjalung Aboriginal woman, Caitlin is determined to use her nursing knowledge to bring tangible changes to Aboriginal health and community health.