Graduate Nikita keeps nursing in the family at Mackay Hospital
By Greg Chapman
CQUniversity Nursing graduate Nikita Van Wyk is following in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother and aunt, caring for patients at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS).
The 24-year-old recently crossed the stage at the CQU Mackay graduation ceremony, not only receiving her testamur, but also being named the recipient of the CQU Graduate Nurse of the Year Award.
The award, which is sponsored by CQU and presented by MHHS, was first introduced in 2017 and recognises the skills and contributions of a graduate nurse.
“Receiving this award means a great deal to me. I worked extremely hard in my post-graduate year and felt like I grew so much as a clinician with the help of the Emergency Department,” Nikita said.
“Being recognised for that hard work isn’t something you expect, because doing it for the patients and myself was the most important thing to me.”
That motivation is what carried Nikita all through her studies at CQU - and continues to serve her as a Registered Nurse at Mackay Hospital.
“I chose CQU as my mother had finished her nursing degree through the University and enjoyed the experience,” she said.
“My motivation was to become and emergency nurse, something I had a passion for. I had a family member unwell in hospital and the nurses at the hospital were amazing and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
“I love being a nurse because I feel like I make an impact on the community. I see people on their worst day and being able to help them and make their experience as positive as possible is rewarding.
“The people I work with and the friendships I have made is definitely a highlight. The angels I work with in the ED are some of the most caring, persistent and hard-working individuals I have ever met and being able to share the journey with them is incredible."
Nikita recommended anyone interested in Nursing to consider CQU.
“I would say go for it. It’s a local university that provides good face-to-face education while still allowing you to work and have a life while studying,” she said.
“I am extremely grateful to be given this award, and I thank CQU for giving me the skills and education I needed to start my career on the right foot.”
