Broader Horizons

By Hannah Howard

For me nursing wasn’t something that ran in the family, but with trips to the hospital with my Pop, who is undergoing cancer treatment, I thought this was something I could be interested in.

Taking the plunge, I applied to the University of Canberra and was accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing in 2017. Moving from a small regional town to a bigger city like Canberra was a great opportunity for me to broaden my horizons.

My Grandma worked closely with Legacy ladies in Temora, as Pop is a Vietnam Veteran. She told me about AVCAT, and the scholarships that were being offered. Taking steps towards financial independence can be a challenge for a young school-leaver like me.

Receiving an AVCAT NSW Nurses and Midwives Association Scholarship was not only an honour but made a huge contribution to my studies. Naïve me did not expect to be paying $160 for one textbook when I first arrived! My scholarship allowed for a smooth transition to this independent lifestyle to puruse my studies

Now, in 2020 I am preparing to start my full-time job in a graduate program at Canberra Hospital as a Registered Nurse. I will attend the official graduate ceremony next month.

This graduate nursing program is designed to support new graduate nurses in their first year. I am going to undertake two rotations, in differing areas of the hospital, to gain experience in an environment that offers ongoing education and mentorship throughout the year. In the future I aim to continue my studies in Midwifery and excel my knowledge in that area.

Reflecting on my studies the impact of my AVCAT NSW Nurses and Midwives Association Scholarship was not only financial, it created a sense of community. A community I could be a part of,  and it modelled a support system of encouragement throughout my studies that I truly value to this day. I encourage anyone who is thinking of applying for a scholarship to take the step because I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.

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