Meet our student
Ms Chelsea Webster
Course of study:
Master of Nursing (Neonatal Intensive Care) 2012
What made you decide to undertake Postgraduate studies in nursing/midwifery?
I always wanted to specialise in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing and strongly believe that is essential to have the theory behind your practice to provide the best possible care.
I also have a strong interest in research and wanted to increase my knowledge and research skills so that I can pursue a career in neonatal nursing research.
Why did you decide to study at La Trobe?
La Trobe is the only university in Victoria who offer neonatal nursing as a postgraduate speciality. My supervisor for my masters was an expert in neonatal nursing which provided me with the confidence and support I needed to successfully complete my thesis.
What are you hoping to get out of completing further studies in nursing/midwifery? Do you think your course gives you a better chance of securing the desired career in nursing/midwifery?
I hope to pursue a long lasting career in neonatal intensive care nursing research and hope that one day I can establish a neonatal nursing research department within the organisation I work at. Completing my Master of Nursing has strengthened my desire to undertake my PhD, just may have a few years off first….
I believe that having my Master’s degree will help me secure research roles and support from the department in pursuing my own research studies which is ultimately what I would love to be doing.
What do you like most about your course?
I like the flexibility of undertaking the course off campus. Working full time with two small children at home, the need to study and write at times that were convenient to me was essential. My supervisor was always available by email, at the end of the phone and provided me with valuable and honest feedback and support.
Are there any other comments you’d like to make about your course, or about La Trobe generally?
La Trobe University have a great reputation in post graduate studies which gives you the confidence you need to be successful in completing your studies. Knowing that the course co coordinator for the neonatal nursing intensive care course is an expert in the field gives you a feeling of support and is extremely reassuring.
Do you have any good tips for other students considering undertaking PG Studies?
Go for it. At the time it is hard work and you may have moments of 'what am I doing?', but when you finally see that thesis hard bound and submitted you really do get an overwhelming feeling of pride and it you realise it was worth every moment of angst.
