Carmen and Jenny Bella are a unique duo, they are the only mother and daughter students studying the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park.

A registered nurse for over 10 years, Carmen moved to Australia 20 years ago from Peru for a better life and for the job opportunities.

With her two children all grown up, Carmen decided she wanted to go back into the nursing career she loved but needed to obtain Australian qualifications.

Carmen said “Everyone has a mission in life and I feel like nursing is my mission, I never lost the passion for it so I decided to study. It is challenging as English is not my first language but I feel lucky to have the opportunity.

“I feel very grateful about living in Australia, there are no limitations, and everyone at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park gives quality service, from the administration to the teaching staff.”

Eighteen-year-old Jenny Bella wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps after doing work experience in a hospital and a GP practice during high school.

"I didn't have a high enough ATAR to get into university, but I'm really grateful I found this course,” said Jenny.

“The TAFE NSW teachers are really helpful; they teach clearly and are always there for us as students. I like that our days are split between theory and practical, we’ve come a long way since we started.”

Being able to speak fluent Spanish has helped Jenny during her studies and while she has been on work placement.

“During one of our work placements, I was looking after a Spanish patient in palliative care and it was really great being able to speak to her and her family in Spanish and try and make her feel at ease.”

Despite some challenges with her vision, Carmen is not letting it stop her from completing her studies and finding work in the community.

“The support given to me by the staff has made it easier, they understand. I want to express to everyone who face challenges that they can do it, I want to inspire others. I have been a patient in a hospital so I know what it takes to look after people and make sure that they are getting the best treatment.

“We have hospitals, medical centres, nursing homes spread throughout the community and I will be happy if I can find a job after I finish my studies.”

Jenny’s goal once she completes her TAFE NSW studies is to enrol at university to become a Registered Nurse.

"In high school, I was part of a group that did art therapy with kids in a hospital, which made me realise there are many ways of caring for an individual."

Jenny's advice for anyone considering a career in nursing is to "be sure of what you want to achieve, do it step by step and believe in yourself."

To find out more about studying nursing at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601

Media contact: Teresa Lane, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner 9796 5476, mobile 0412 773 887