Nursing graduate using ‘head and heart’ to help patients

Since completing the Bachelor of Nursing, Georgia has been involved in the Curriculum Advisory Committee, helping to shape the degree to fit the new Southern Cross Model.

Georgia knew from a young age that she wanted to be a nurse and said she likes that she gets to use both her head and her heart.

“You're able to be really compassionate to people and help them throughout their hardest times, but you also need to know a lot,” Georgia said.

“I do really enjoy learning about the human body and understanding why things happen. I think it is interesting being able to connect presenting symptoms and help a patient.”

Currently working as an orthopaedic nurse at The Tweed Hospital, Georgia said she most enjoys being able to see a patient go home.

“Patients come in post-operatively after a hip or knee replacement, and I see them straight after their operation. I get to see them progress into going home and being able to live independently and having a better quality of life,” she said.

She is now using her knowledge and experience to give feedback on the restructured Bachelor of Nursing degree. The course is being updated to fit the new Southern Cross Model of six terms consisting of six teaching weeks per academic year.

“I just looked over the curriculum to see if it was all appropriate. And if I had any suggestions as to what could be added or changed in the curriculum,” Georgia said.

“It all looks really exciting and I kind of wish I was able to do it in the way that's coming.”

Georgia said graduation will be even sweeter after the pandemic affected her studies. Many classes were moved to online delivery due to COVID-19.

“I think going through your nursing degree during COVID was really hard because you're trying to learn so many practical things,” she said.

“The University really did help in terms of doing online classes and accommodating all of our needs.

“Being able to have a final ceremony will be good because we haven't actually been able to get together and celebrate.”

Georgia now has her sights set on future studies and is considering which field she would like to specialise in.

She said studying the Bachelor of Nursing degree at Southern Cross University set her up for success.

“I think studying nursing at Southern Cross is good because in your first year you've got placement. You have hands on experience. You can decide if it's for you or not,” she said.

“The area that we learn in as nursing students is so much like a hospital, it's such a good representation of what it's going to be like out there.

“All my friends from Southern Cross, we all got jobs that we really wanted. So, it's a good representation as to what Southern Cross is capable of.”

Georgia will be awarded the Bachelor of Nursing degree at Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast graduation ceremony on June 30.

Watch the graduation ceremony live stream.