Gillian’s making her Mater move

Gillian Brown has spent the last 33 years working at a bank. 

Now, she's decided to take a different path, enrolling in a Diploma of Nursing through Mater Education.

The 59-year-old has officially started her Mater Education journey along with 99 other students who will graduate in 18 months' time as enrolled nurses. 

The April cohort kicked off their orientation at the South Brisbane campus last week, meeting their educators and peers as well as participating in a ward simulation[EN1] . 

A simulation is essentially a mock hospital ward, where students experience what ‘a day in the life’ of a healthcare professional will look like.

Students also learn and practice their clinical skills under the direction of their Educators and see the value of theory and practice working together. 

Gillian said she was itching to get started with her studies. 

"Nursing has always been my passion but I put it off as I went into banking and then I had kids," Gillian said.

"This is something I should have done ages ago but I'm here now and it's my time to give back!"

The mother-of-two said she's glad she finally acted on the voice in her head telling her to pursue a healthcare career. 

"I love people and I love caring for people," she said.

"I have two daughters. One of them is a midwife who actually did her training at Mater."

Gillian said she'd encourage anyone considering a career change to just go for it. 

"Life is too short and it is not a rehearsal," she said.

"Nothing will stop me from becoming a nurse!"

Mater Education's next intake of the Diploma of Nursing program opens in July 2022 in Brisbane and Townsville. 

To learn more about the program and to apply, click here: https://www.matereducation.qld.edu.au/career-entry-qualifications/diploma-of-nursing

ENDS