Krystal advocates for elderly as a carer and nurse in Bundaberg community

By Greg Chapman

Krystal Phillips is helping the Bundaberg region’s elderly receive the care and dignity they deserve thanks to her Diploma of Nursing training at CQUniversity.

The mother-of-four is determinedly holding down two jobs, using her passion as a personal carer as well as a community nurse for CatholicCare.

“My motivation to study nursing came from being a personal carer for six years,” she said.

“I wanted to become an advocate for the elderly to ensure that they had a voice and got the dignity and respect they deserve to live their life how they choose.”

Krystal completed her Diploma of Nursing in Bundaberg in 2023, with the training quickly helping her secure roles in the sector.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the training. The teachers were so encouraging supportive and had such a wealth of knowledge,” she said.

“My class of fellow students were also supportive. We were total strangers that through the battles of life and studying we became amazing friends and still to this day we lean on each other for support. 

“Our training was amazing. The teachers had so much knowledge and compassion for teaching us. I came out with so many skills that even senior registered nurses (RNs) were surprised at the skills and knowledge I had and I was often mistaken for being an RN.”

Krystal is thoroughly enjoying putting her skills and knowledge into practice with CatholicCare.

“I’m currently working two jobs. I was offered a position at the nursing home where I was working at as a personal carer when I finished my course,” she said.

“I have been at CatholicCare as a Community Nurse for six months and I am hoping soon to transition into full-time. I believe I have found my right fit in Community Nursing.

“I enjoy my job. I put my all into providing the best care I can for elderly people.

“What I’m doing isn’t just a job for me. It gives me so much joy to be an advocate and give elderly people the dignity and respect they deserve and support them to live their lives the way that they want to.”

Although she has no immediate plans to undertake a Bachelor of Nursing, she said she was proud to have completed the Diploma with CQU.

“If anyone told me, they were thinking about studying a Diploma in Nursing I would tell them it’s hard work - nursing isn’t just for anyone,” she said. 

“You need to be a person with a lot of compassion and empathy. There are good and bad days, but it is so rewarding.” 

To start your Diploma of Nursing journey like Krystal, visit the CQU website.