Media Statement
14 May 2024
Nickia Griffiths, Trina Lysaught, Angela Jansen and Rowie Blight
Great Southern Universities Centre Celebrates Albany Nursing Graduates
The Great Southern Universities Centre is celebrating the first of its registered students to graduate from the Curtin University Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse conversion course.
Angela Jansen, Trina Lysaught, Rowie Blight, and Nickia Griffiths have emerged as qualified nurses after completing the two and a half year Bachelor of Science (Nursing) conversion degree.
In partnership with Great Southern Universities Centre and South Regional TAFE, Curtin University began delivering the Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse program in Albany in 2021.
The program caters to seasoned enrolled nurses seeking to advance their careers as registered nurses, and Diploma of Enrolled Nursing graduates. It allows students to complete their studies entirely in Albany, including practical placements, without having to travel further afield.
Centre Director, Mr Mike Eastman, congratulated the dedicated individuals who successfully completed the course.
“Trina, Rowie, Angela and Nickia have set a commendable example with their dedication and academic excellence,” said Mr Eastman.
“Notably, Rowie and Trina's exceptional performance landed them on the Curtin University Vice Chancellor's List, signifying their placement in the top one per cent for the last semester of 2023,” Mr Eastman said.
Throughout their educational journey, all graduates were registered with Great Southern Universities Centre and used its free services throughout their course.
This included access to a face-to-face student support officer and 24/7 study hub where they could meet and collaborate with other students in their course.
This support was a significant factor towards the graduates successfully completing the course and highlights the Regional University Study Hubs Program’s importance in supporting regional students to achieve higher education without leaving their communities.
Graduate Angela Jansen reflected on her learning journey.
"Initially, it was very daunting being an online student....I sought out the services of the Centre early on when I started the course.
“The staff and other students are so encouraging and push you to do the best you can both academically and personally. I would highly recommend the Centre to others as a safe, quiet and beneficial study space.”
Trina Lysaught said a major factor to her success was “being in a group of friends that are made for life.”
Fellow student Rowie Blight said, “the use of facilities was great. We had the options to work as a group. We used the videoconferencing facilities for meetings with Curtin and we were able to have our visits from Unit Coordinators.
“It was a challenge at home to complete my assignments as I have 2 young children. The Centre provided a quiet environment to use which had all the tools I needed.”
Ms Lysaught, along with fellow graduate Rowie Blight are now sharing their advice and experiences with the 2024-commencing cohort.
“Rowie and I are in a group chat with the new cohort and offered support to them at the start of the semester.” Ms Lysaught said.
Great Southern Universities Centre and Curtin University are collaborating over the next six months to enhance support for EN to RN students.
“This includes investigating a tailored university preparation option to acclimatise students to online learning before commencing their course, and support specifically for nursing students to navigate their initial year of assignments successfully,” Mr Eastman said.
Ms Lysaught advises aspiring nurses considering the EN to RN conversion course to "just do it. Don't procrastinate, get through the nerves, and stick with it."
Ms Griffiths’s advice to anyone undertaking, or thinking of undertaking the EN to RN course in Albany would be “to not give up even when times get tough, to find a small group of students doing the same course so you can study together, support and encourage each other.”
People studying, or thinking of studying a Certificate III or above at any Australian study provider can register with the Great Southern Universities Centre online at gsunicentre.edu.au.
To find out more about Centre’s Study Hub facilities in Albany, Denmark and soon, Katanning, email admin@gsunicentre.edu.au.