RHIANNON Pace had always envisaged a career in nursing.
But the financial strain of juggling full-time work with study put those plans on the backburner.
“Due to the cost of it all, it was not financially viable at the time,” she said.
“It would have put a huge financial strain on me and burnout would have been a real issue as I would have been working full-time on top of the study.”
Since responding to an advertisement for nursing traineeships with Mallee Track Health and Community Service, Ms Pace hasn’t looked back.
She is now earning and learning as she strives towards the completion of a Diploma of Nursing.
Ms Pace began her nursing traineeship with MTHCS at the start of the year.
She’s one of four trainees undertaking the two-year course, with two students based at Sea Lake and two at Ouyen.
Getting back to basics, the course allows trainees to gain hands-on training in a hospital setting, while attending university three days a week.
“I travel to Horsham for three days of uni and then spend two days a week at the hospital,” Ms Pace said.
Describing the traineeship as “fabulous”, Ms Pace said she was enjoying the course and loved the support and mentorship which came with the practical learning component.
“I learn better hands-on and with this traineeship I’m on the floor learning in real-life situations,” Ms Pace said.
“I’m working with some amazing staff and they all go above and beyond to offer advice, education, tips and tricks.”
She said being “on the floor” and learning in real-life situations gave her genuine insight into the profession and cemented her desire to complete the course and pursue a nursing career.
Before starting the traineeship, Ms Pace was already working with MTHCS in a different role.
“I was working in the kitchen and doing a bit of cleaning,” she said.
She was grateful for the opportunity to take part in the traineeship and is now working towards her dream career.
“I’m determined to finish my diploma and want to learn as much as I can,” she said.
