After a 35-year career as a building surveyor, Greg Johnston was inspired to switch careers and study nursing after seeing how his father struggled with the care he received during his dying days. With a long-standing interest in remote area nursing and making a difference, Greg has secured a graduate role in Tennant Creek.
"Remote area nursing appealed to me as an opportunity to provide primary health care in parts of Australia where the scenery is spectacular and the people are genuine. Working with communities on country, who are striving to take responsibility for their own health and are affected by social determinants of health, is an area I find interesting," Greg shared.
Unique placements, including a stint in Alice Springs Hospital, solidified Greg's desire to pursue a nursing career in the Northern Territory. He also completed a forensic mental health placement at the Kareenga Annexe of Margoneet Correctional Centre, which highlighted the significant impact of trauma and social determinants on people's life choices and health.
Greg encourages others to consider nursing as a career change. "The depth of pharmacology and physiology was more extensive than I had anticipated, but with consistent effort, it is achievable for everyone, given the support of staff and study flexibility. This effort opens up numerous opportunities in various fields of nursing."
Eilish Zappia has always been passionate about helping others and this year commenced her career as a qualified social worker. Eilish completed her secondary education at Red Cliffs High School and Mildura Senior College before enrolling at La Trobe University to undertake a Bachelor of Social Work.
“From a young age, I always had a desire to help others. One day, I learnt about social work and decided to explore the field further. I was attracted to its broad scope and the diverse range of career opportunities it offers.”
Like Greg, Eilish benefited from meaningful placement experiences during her studies. She;s now working as a Child Protection Practitioner within the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and says placement there during her study, benefited greatly.
“My first placement was at Mallee Family Care within the Family Relationship Centre, where I primarily focused on mediation. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there, as it provided valuable insights into the processes involved, especially considering the challenges many families face during breakdowns. My second placement was in Child Protection, which deepened my understanding of the policies they implement and the risks they manage on a daily basis.”
Eilish emphasises the importance of being open-minded and reflective for success in social work. "These qualities are essential not only for professional development but also for effectively supporting the individuals we work with."
Both Greg and Eilish have valuable advice for those considering studying locally. Eilish encourages prospective students to explore different career pathways and not let uncertainty hold them back. Greg, reflecting on his own career transition, stresses that while nursing can be demanding, it also opens up a world of opportunities and personal fulfillment.
