Tracey brings extensive experience to CQU’s Diploma of Nursing
By Greg Chapman
“Every day of your nursing career offers something new to learn.”
That’s the mantra new CQUniversity Nursing teacher Tracey Woods is passing onto her students in Rockhampton, channelling her decades of professional experience to future-proof the health industry’s frontline workforce.
Tracey joined CQU in November last year and brings nearly 25 years of clinical experience to CQU’s Diploma of Nursing program.
Her own journey started as a young woman, travelling from northwest Queensland to Rockhampton to pursue her passion for nursing.
In fact, she’s come full circle, having completed her own Diploma of Nursing at the then Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQ TAFE) and then her Bachelor of Nursing at CQU.
“My nursing journey began as an enrolled nurse (EN), where I spent four years working across medical, surgical and peri-operative care day surgery, operating theatre, post anaesthetic care unit and central sterilisation departments,” she said.
“I developed a special interest in gastrointestinal day surgery and minor restorative plastic procedures, laying the foundation for a dynamic and multifaceted career.”
After transitioning to become a registered nurse (RN), Tracey spent more than 20 years working in rural and remote Queensland including in Dysart and then at Rockhampton Hospital.
For 15 years, she worked in general practice nursing, both in remote areas without hospital access and in a large practice on the Capricorn Coast.
“This time in primary care has allowed me to draw on my full range of nursing expertise while continually expanding my skill set to meet evolving patient needs,” she said.
“As both a clinician and educator, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and promoting best-practice standards with future enrolled nurses.
“I believe deeply in lifelong learning and holistic, patient-centred care. I’ve had the privilege of teaching both clinical and non-clinical staff, delivering education on infection control, Medicare care planning, and various health assessments including but not limited to 75 years plus health assessments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health assessments and Coordinated Veterans' Care.
She said she was excited to bring her experience to teaching at CQU.
“My teaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: every day of your nursing career offers something new to learn,” she said.
“Whether you're just beginning your studies or deep into practice, age and distance should never be a barrier.”
