I have a strong compassion for the sick. I dreamt of being a person who could administrate medication and fluids to save lives, provide care for patients and their families, hold patients’ hands for the last minutes of their lives and tell them they are not alone. Lecturers and tutors taught me the nursing skills to achieve my dream.

Here, Qunzhang ‘Jenny’ Yao, shares her experience since graduating in 2013.

I graduated from Curtin University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science (Nursing). I was a domestic student doing my Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Conversion course. Prior to the course, I had been working as an Enrolled nurse with Silver Chain for nearly seven years. With a dream of becoming a Registered Nurse, I came to Curtin University and The Nurses and Midwifery Office very generously provided me with a scholarship throughout my studies.

Graduate Programs via GradConnect

In my last semester, I learned there would be a transition for student nurses to become qualified nurses. The Graduate Program is the bridge in between, which provides support and training to new nurses. Through the Graduate Program, new nurses gain chances to further develop their competencies; even providing study days, which are invaluable, and there are plenty of opportunities for graduate nurses to continue their learning and development. The preceptor system from the Graduate Program, reassured me that I was not alone. Support was always there when I needed it.

I was well prepared for the graduate program in my last semester through the Nursing Practice Unit. The lecturer put dates and links for students to find out when and how to apply for Graduate Programs on Blackboard. I also attended the GradConnect seminar, which was organised by the Curtin Careers & Employment Centre. There I learned about the application and selection process. I have to say thank you to all the lecturers and tutors because they prepared me from the first day I attended the university. I answered the selection criteria questions according to what I learned through the classroom and was able to provide strong examples from my nursing practice in the hospital.

Getting First Preference

Armadale Health Service was my first preference for the Graduate Program. I was so grateful that I was accepted. My preferred areas were Surgical and Paediatric and, although I was allocated to Surgical and Medical, I was very thankful to the all the staff there. I felt supported and welcomed during my program. Presently, I continue to work at Armadale Hospital as a Registered Nurse where I am now in the Paediatric ward and this is where I would like to further my nursing career.

In order to get your first preference on the Graduate Program, I strongly recommend students gain relevant work experience in the health care industry in their last two semesters. By doing this, your resume will be more competitive and you will have some current, additional relevant experience. Another bonus is you will also be able to provide more than adequate referees to vouch for you at interview.