25 March 2024

TAFE NSW has helped a Nowra mum turbocharge her career path and edge closer to her dream job of working in Aboriginal health.

Proud Yuin woman Kirsty Walters, 30, fell in love with the caring industry after working in home care for the elderly, resolving to work towards becoming a nurse.

Her entry point was a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at TAFE NSW, giving her the hands on skills and practical experience to secure a job at Shoalhaven Hospital before even graduating.

Health services assistants, also known as assistants in nursing, are one of the fastest growing roles in the health sector, helping make a difference in the lives of others by supporting nurses in hospitals or aged care facilities to care for patients with various needs.

Ms Walters has now embarked on a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW, and will soon be a qualified enrolled nurse.

Research by Health Workforce Australia (HWA) shows that, due to the aging workforce and other factors, there could be a shortfall of more than 100,000 nurses by 2025.

Ms Walters said the strong demand for nurses and the prospect of a rewarding career helping others had motivated her to continue building her skills and experience.

She is currently working in the paediatrics ward at Shoalhaven Hospital.

“It’s an incredibly rewarding job and I get to be there when patients take their first step after an accident and help them return to health,” Ms Walters said. “I want to eventually work in Indigenous health and help my mob.”

She said the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance was an ideal “taster” course for further TAFE NSW studies in nursing.

“The teachers are so supportive and so invested in your success,” she said. “The clinical skills I learned at TAFE NSW, like manually taking blood pressure, really set me up for success.”

TAFE NSW health services assistant teacher Katie Dalton said the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance offered a seamless pathway to nursing or to enter the health industry.

“There is so much demand locally for entry level positions and this course will help start you on your journey to a rewarding career,” Ms Dalton said.

“It’s a great course to walk straight into a job or as a stepping stone to nursing.”

The course includes a requirement for 80 hours’ work placement, meaning students will gain hands on, job-ready skills while still studying.

Ms Dalton said students could use credits from the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance towards a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Shellharbour.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, Daniel.johns9@tafensw.edu.au, 0477 722 428