29 July 2023

Meet Amanda, one of our talented nurses here at Austin Health. Amanda has worked with us for three years and has worked across a range of areas, including a current posting in Day Oncology as part of her postgrad studies.

Amanda is one of many that has taken up the opportunity to continue studying through postgraduate programs available at Austin Health.

Why do you love working in nursing?
I have loved working here because I am always surrounded by passionate and empathetic nurses that are so supportive of their colleagues. I have always felt encouraged and supported in any opportunity I have wanted to take to further develop my knowledge and career.

What made you want to go on and do further study?
Since doing a placement as a student on 6 South, I have had a passion for oncology. I wanted to be able to learn as much as I could about oncology so that I could be a better nurse to my patients. Cancer patients are often quite complex and can deteriorate very quickly. The more knowledge you have as a nurse, the better you can care for your patients during their most difficult times.

Doing the postgrad will also be beneficial as it will lead to different job opportunities and will aid in developing my career.

What did you find most valuable during the postgrad training?
The knowledge I have acquired throughout the course has been invaluable. I have gained a thorough understanding of many different facets of cancer. This has enabled me to become a better nurse to my patients as I have more on an understanding of their presentation.

The postgrad has also shown me the many different areas you can work in the cancer field as a nurse. This has made me want to explore working in different areas withing oncology and will aid in developing my career.

If someone is thinking about taking part in postgrad studies what is one piece of advice you would give them
I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about doing a postgrad to go for it. It's just one year of your life and the knowledge and opportunities you will gain from doing it will influence the rest of your career. I have gained a lot from doing the post grad in cancer nursing and I look forward to where it will take me in the future.

Are you interested in postgrad studies?

Austin Health is proud to have affiliations with Latrobe University, Australian Catholic University, Deakin University and the University of Melbourne. Registered nurses at Austin Health undertaking postgraduate study with any of our university partners will be provided with well-structured clinical support by the Clinical Nursing Education Department team and clinical staff whilst working in the specialty area.

Each university’s postgraduate program is conducted differently depending on the specialty, with a combination of online modules, face-to-face learning and associated clinical requirements.

Austin Health invites you to an information session on the 2024 Postgraduate programs
Date: Tuesday 25 July
Time: 2 – 3pm
Location: rooms 4.4/4.5 located on level 4 of the education precinct, Austin Hospital 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg

This information session is open to all registered nurses interested in pursuing postgraduate studies here at Austin Health.

For more information regarding which postgraduate programs eligibility, please see our website.