Taylah Firmer transitioned into studying the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) after working for some time in retail.
“I chose to do nursing as I wanted to help people through some of their most vulnerable moments in life”, Taylah said.
On her experience with the Diploma, Taylah said, “First day I didn’t know a single person. Now I’ve walked out with some people that I would call my best friends.”
Pursuing a new path wasn’t easy for Taylah. Rural living meant that Taylah travelled almost two hours each way to campus and clinical placements, all while juggling responsibility as a guardian for her younger brother.
A new challenge emerged during the Victorian floods in October last year, which left Taylah without a car and with a damaged house.
“It was such a scary time. The community around me lost their homes, livelihood and farms. Bendigo TAFE was in direct communication with me every day to ensure my safety, check if I needed help with assignments, as well as facilitate alternatives to campus learning so I wouldn’t fall behind,” she said,
“With daily support from my TAFE teachers, I was able to adapt to remote learning and complete all required work to go on my final placement.”
Taylah said time management was the biggest skills she has learned in the Diploma. “I can see a massive growth and I’m really happy about that as well as that critical thinking and reasoning as to why I’m doing things. After graduating I did feel job ready.”
Currently working in two rural hospitals as an enrolled nurse, Taylah said her newfound career has changed her life for the better.
“Being exposed to the invaluable mentorship and education not only from our TAFE teachers, but clinical support nurses on placements, has impacted and truly inspired me,” said Taylah, who has also applied for a dual bachelor’s degree in paramedicine and nursing.
“Nursing is a profession that constantly challenges you, educates you, provides you with diversity, rewards, flexibility and keeps you on your toes, and to me that is very important when considering what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
“Just do it, push through that initial fear. The sky is the limit if you go through a TAFE”, said Taylah.