THE region’s newest nurses are ready to take the first step into their careers as fully qualified professionals after completing their degree at the Mount Gambier University of South Australia campus this week.
For the past three years, the group has dedicated hours to the Bachelor of Nursing degree with all now securing positions in the Limestone Coast.
As a mother and wife, Amelia Collins said she was lucky to have had the opportunity to complete the degree in her home city.
“I never imagined with a family of three I would be able to go to uni and complete a degree and secure a position in Mount Gambier as well,” she said.
“It has been amazing, I can’t believe it has happened. When I finished school I thought I would have to go to Adelaide to pursue that and here I am with a family of three and husband working on a farm and have a degree.”
Basking in the celebrations with fellow students on Monday as they completed their final lecture, Cheryl Jazepczyk said it had been amazing to see them all come together as a community to further their education.
“UniSA really has a fundamental grounding in that aspect of team building and togetherness and that has really stood out,” she said.
“We couldn’t have done it without the lecturers, they have been incredible and we are all now really looking forward to beginning our graduate programs in the region.”
Encouraging others to take up a degree at Mount Gambier’s university campus, Ms Collins said there was a very supportive community of staff and students.
“I strongly recommend people to come to UniSA, it is world class,” she said.
“There are people who did their first year in Adelaide and have come back to Mount Gambier to complete the degree who have said they feel much more supported here.
“Even for younger people that come out of high school, it is a great opportunity with less financial pressures – they can stay at home with their family and it is probably more affordable.”
Lecturer Dr Julie Reis said she was proud of the group, particularly as they had all secured jobs in the region.
“We need people to stay here and grow and strengthen the community, so it is fantastic to see that is what they are doing,” she said.
“I wish them all the best in their careers – it is quite an achievement.”
