Family focus inspires Townsville nurse
Love for her family and a commitment to care helped Alicia Rivero find her calling in nursing.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing from CQUniversity on Thursday 1 May, the Townsville local is set to use her career to create meaningful change in the community.
“I’m a proud Indigenous woman and come from a close-knit family,” Alicia said.
“Family and connection are really important to me, and they’ve shaped who I am today.”
Alicia said it was her family that initially motivated her to pursue nursing, after her grandmother spent a substantial amount of time in hospital with heart disease.
“I witnessed first-hand the incredible care and compassion shown to her by the nurses,” she said.
“Seeing the difference that quality care made in her life inspired me to want to provide that same level of support to others, especially within the Indigenous community.
“I am passionate about making sure that all patients feel respected, heard, and cared for."
Alicia admitted her journey to become a Registered Nurse was not easy as she managed a marriage breakdown and becoming a single mother during her studies.
“I was an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) for five years before becoming an Enrolled Nurse. I’ve always dreamed of being a Registered Nurse and decided it was time to do my Bachelor of Nursing,” she said.
"There were times I wanted to give up completely. Balancing placement with a 14-week-old baby and exams was a huge struggle.
“Despite all of this, I pushed through with determination and for my son, Rocky."
Alicia acknowledged the assistance she received from her support networks, CQU, and a Townsville Hospital and Health Service Indigenous Student Scholarship during her challenging times.
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Indigenous Student Scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students studying a Bachelor of Nursing in the Townsville region.
"My experience as a CQU student has been both challenging and rewarding.
“Throughout my studies, I have had the opportunity to develop a wide range of clinical skills and work alongside some truly amazing and knowledgeable Registered Nurses. I’ve been fortunate to gain experience across all different areas of healthcare,” Alicia said.
"The scholarship helped me afford essential supplies and provided financial support during placements when I couldn’t work.
“Without it, I would have struggled to continue and may have had to quit. I’m truly grateful for the support that helped me stay on track toward my nursing career."
Her dedication and persistence proved successful, securing a graduate nursing position at Townsville’s Mater Private Hospital earlier this year.
“I started in February and am training to become an anaesthetic nurse. Anaesthetics seems to be the place I’ll have a long-term career in,” Alicia said.
“I strongly encourage other First Nations people to consider a career in nursing. Our communities need you."
Applications for mid-year Townsville Hospital and Health Service Indigenous Student Scholarships open Tuesday 6 May, and close Monday 2 June 2025.
The scholarship provides up to $6,000 in financial support, with the aim to increase progression and completion rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the Bachelor of Nursing, and developing a nursing and midwifery workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.
Explore study pathways in nursing at CQUniversity's Nursing website.
