How I found my way back to nursing

Danielle studied nursing straight out of high school, didn't finish, but found her way back just a few years later. Hear why she returned to study nursing and her top tips to balance study with family.

What motivated you to study Nursing?

I started my Bachelor of Nursing when I left high school but didn't finish. I then started a few other degrees but was never truly happy. Nursing is something I always wanted to do, so I completed my Diploma of Nursing and then decided to upgrade my qualification so I could have access to more opportunities in the nursing profession and expand my scope of practice. 

What has been the most challenging aspect of studying for you?

The biggest challenge for me was being able to work full time as well as be a full time single parent. My main concern was how I would fit in the required hours to study, plus sleep and have a life!

I made sure I organised myself well in advance to fit things in where needed

Do you have advice for others that might be experiencing the same thing?

My main advice is to be organised. Know when everything is due, write everything down and ask questions. I had a whiteboard that I used to put all my key dates on; including my work roster, school events, assignments, exams, placements. I made sure I organised myself well in advance to fit things in where needed.

How do you plan to make a difference with your degree?

I plan on working a few years and gaining more experience in the nursing field. I'm working towards finding an area of expertise that I am truly passionate about and will continue to help and educate patients and their families to make a difference in their lives when they are most vulnerable.

I was able to get my preference for simulation blocks and all my placements were local

What do you like most about studying with CDU?

As an external student, I think communication was outstanding between teaching staff and students. I like that when I emailed a lecturer I got a response within 24-48 hours.

I also like that I was able to get my preference for simulation blocks and that all my placements were local.

It was really easy to study with a flexible course structure and practical to be able to do it externally so I could work at the same time. I think the course is brilliant and includes a good range of units to broaden my knowledge and skills in the nursing field. Overall my experience was fantastic, I highly recommend CDU to everyone.

Interested in a career in nursing? View our undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses here.