My name is Gemma Hale and I am a 31 year old Bachelor of Nursing student at CQUniversity.
I began part-time study via distance education in 2014 while my children were little; wanting to carve out a brighter future for us. I currently sit somewhere between first and second year with completed study.
I chose CQUni as they could provide me with the flexibility I needed to happily study whilst still maintaining some balance in my life. While based in Cairns, I am enrolled as a distance student meaning I reap the rewards of both worlds. I am able to use and engage in the study/social environment of on-campus offerings, but on days when commitments don’t allow me access, I don’t fall behind with material as I can study from home. I enjoy the diversity in utilising different working environments to enhance my studies.
Nursing at CQUni has given me the opportunity to attend residential schools where I can enhance my learning and become immersed in a simulated clinical setting.
From a personal viewpoint, nursing builds upon my love and fascination of the human body. I began study after stepping away from the fitness industry and choosing to inject my passion and enthusiasm into a rewarding profession that could provide diversity and longevity. Upon graduation from a Bachelor of Nursing, I look to further my study in midwifery.
For those contemplating study at CQUni, I would say to consider the bigger picture. My experience has offered me many opportunities: I won tickets to watch the Cairns Taipans basketball team play, I won a trip to the Student Leadership Conference in Rockhampton, I am currently working as a Student Ambassador, and later this year I will embark on a trip to India with a small team from various campuses to experience nursing in India!
I feel very fortunate to have had access to all of these amazing life-enhancing experiences from simply making the choice to go back to study after having my children and for choosing CQUni.
>> Do you have a passion for health and love to help people? Get a taste for nursing by attending one of the nursing information sessions at the CQUniversity Cairns Open Day on Saturday, 27 August from 9am-1pm. Visit cqu.edu.au/opendays for more information and to register.
