Celebrating International Nurses’ Day at CDU

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is celebrating the amazing work of its graduate and student nurses on International Nurses’ Day on May 12.

CDU is home to thousands of students studying nursing courses, including the Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing, providing a much-needed supply of clinicians to the Territory health workforce.

Nepalese student Hema Giri graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2021 is an outstanding representation of the new generation of nurses in the Northern Territory and Australia.

Ms Giri is determined to make a difference in people’s lives, which has inspired her to choose a career in nursing and is now working as a community nurse and has the opportunity to visit rural locations to help locals with their medical needs.

Ms Giri has developed her clinical experience in a vast range of settings but says living and working in the Territory has provided her with experience in regional and remote health that she could not gain in other states and territories.

“Darwin is the greatest place to learn since the rural cases are usually care flights to Darwin,” Ms Giri said.

“When provided with simulation blocks, don’t hesitate as it is the best opportunity to learn before dealing with real patients."

CDU College of Nursing and Midwifery Dean, Professor Karen Francis, said nurses make significant contributions to health care.

“Nurses represent 50 per cent of the health workforce nationally and internationally. As the largest group of health care providers, they make a significant impact on health care outcomes,” Professor Francis said.

“Nurses are employed in a broad range of practice contexts such as acute care hospitals, primary health care, aged care, schools, industry, policy and educational settings.”

“International Nurses’ Day is a global tribute to the work nurses do and the difference they make to people at all stages of life.”

Local Territorian Jessica Lacey was a soccer player before deciding to become a nurse.

Although having children at a young age and living far away from campus would make attending university more difficult, Ms Lacey chose CDU because of the flexibility of learning remotely.

Now having graduated with her Bachelor of Nursing, she took the opportunity to work with the Centre for National Resilience in Howard Springs.

Her advice for new students is never be afraid to ask for help and support.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Someone may not be as brave as you, so you’ll be helping someone else as well,” Ms Lacey said.