Inspired to teach the next generation of nurses
Registered Nurse Sophia Smith credits her nursing educator as the person who first inspired her to consider a career in teaching the next generation of nurses.
"She was compassionate, patient-centred, and a role model I looked up to,” Ms Smith said.
“I still often think about her when I’m teaching and delivering new concepts to my students.”
Having studied a Diploma of Nursing, the 27-year-old went on to complete a Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University and has been working in healthcare for the past eight years.
Regardless, Sophia says she remembers what it was like to be a student.
“At the start of the nursing journey, the students are nervous, and they don't know much about the industry,” she said.
“They learn quickly and soon you’re able to explain complex medical terminology in a way they can understand, so they have that lightbulb moment.
“It’s exciting to see them get to the end, graduate, and gain employment as a nurse in a hospital. It’s incredibly rewarding and such a privilege to be part of their journey.”
Sophia worked in an orthopaedic ward at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service while completing her Bachelor of Nursing studies.
“It was helpful to understand what my lecturers were teaching because I had seen patients like that on the job,” Ms Smith said.
It was during university, when Sophia became a student mentor for first year nursing students to help guide them through how to take a patient’s vital signs, that she realised teaching was her true calling.
“Even when I entered the workforce, I would always love to have a recent graduate under my wing and show them the ways of working,” she said.
Ms Smith is eager to remind her students, and herself, that there is always more to learn and opportunities to grow throughout a healthcare career.
“Nursing is a lifelong journey. Whether you’re a nurse practitioner, senior practitioner, a graduate nurse or a student, you are always learning,” Ms Smith said.
“You don’t need to put pressure on yourself and compare yourself to someone more senior than you because you’ll get there eventually. You’ve got to start somewhere.”
The theme of this year’s World Teachers’ Day (25 October) is ‘Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education’ and Ms Smith acknowledges the valuable role Mater Education’s educators play in creating a positive learning environment for students.
“I’m grateful to work with an inspiring team of educators. The students are always appreciative of the support, insights and the encouragement educators give. Thank you for all you do!”
