Caring for sibling leads Meredith to a career in nursing

By Greg Chapman

Meredith Stallan’s experiences caring for her sibling with autism made her want to become a nurse and now CQUniversity’s training has made that dream a reality.

The 27-year-old recently completed her Diploma of Nursing studies and will soon take up a Graduate Enrolled Nurse position at Cairns Hospital.

“Becoming a nurse has always been a dream of mine, ever since I was a young child. I have always been driven by a deep desire to help others and make a meaningful difference in their lives,” she said.

“Growing up with a sibling who has autism and complex needs, requiring 24-hour support, helped me develop a great deal of compassion and patience. Witnessing the world through a different lens shaped my strong interest in helping others particularly in a hospital setting.

“I chose to enrol in the Diploma of Nursing at CQU because I believed in my ability to succeed and wanted to further develop my skills while recognising my own worth. The opportunity to take the course through the Fee-Free TAFE initiative made it even more accessible and encouraged me to pursue this path.” 

Before accepting the forthcoming role at Cairns Hospital, Meredith was a care assistant at a rural residential aged care facility, undertaking her nursing training when she wasn’t working.

“The Diploma of Nursing training I received was highly valuable and well suited to the industry. As an adult learner, I believe it is essential to prioritise self-directed learning as what you put into your studies is what you get out of it and this training allowed that. 

“I was fortunate to undertake placements in a variety of acute settings. My first was a three-week placement in a stroke rehabilitation ward at Cairns Hospital, followed by a two-week placement in the hospital’s cancer care ward. My final five-week placement was in the general ward at Innisfail Hospital.  

“I believe this diverse hands-on experience, combined with the training, has significantly helped me secure a job, especially in terms of understanding the foundations of nursing and nursing ethics.” 

She also participated in Residential Schools, putting her knowledge and skills to the test in the University’s nursing labs.

“The residential schools provided me with hands-on experience and practical scenarios, allowing me to apply what I have learned through the online platform in a real-world setting. They gave me the confidence and self-growth I needed as well as a deeper understanding of nursing practice,” she said.

“One of the highlights was the opportunity to support and teach my peers, while also learning from their experiences and knowledge. I appreciated the chance to establish relationships and provide support to others in the cohort, learning alongside a diverse group of people helped me enrich my experience and further develop my skills in teamwork and collaboration. 

She encouraged others to consider a career in nursing.

“What I love most about being a nurse is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Having the privilege of caring for others whether it's offering comfort during difficult times or helping someone on their path of recovery. The professional connections I form with patients and their families are incredibly rewarding. I also appreciate the continuous learning and growth that comes with being a nurse, as no two days are the same, and each challenge provides a chance to develop new skills,” she said.