Graduate nurse giving back to Western Sydney community
Recent Western Sydney University graduate and nurse, Abbey Horman, always knew she wanted to work in health care. After her own experiences with uplifting nurses during a challenging time, she realised she wanted to make the same positive impact.
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals, and the one thing that always stood out to me was the nurses. They had an incredible way of making me feel safe, cared for, and at ease even during tough times,” Abbey said.
“I realised that I wanted to be that person for someone else one day. That’s when I knew nursing was the path for me.
“After my first placement in an aged care facility, I absolutely loved it and felt even more confident in my decision.”
A highlight of Abbey’s time at Western was the hands-on practical classes, designed to enhance student clinical skills and turn their knowledge into action.
“The environment was always incredibly supportive as we had a tutor guiding us every step of the way, demonstrating each skill before we practiced together as a team.”
“This hands-on approach not only helped me build confidence but also prepared me well for placements, where I was able to apply what I’d learnt in real-life settings, such as administering medication safely and effectively.”
Now working as a Registered Nurse in the Respiratory and Cystic Fibrosis ward at a local Western Sydney hospital, Abbey is enjoying her time on the job.
“What I love most about nursing is the opportunity to care for people during some of their most vulnerable moments. Each day, my goal is to make my patients feel cared for, respected, and empowered. Even something as small as bringing a smile to their face can make a real difference.”
“While nursing can be demanding, I always remind myself that making someone’s day a little brighter is the reason I chose this path and it’s what motivates me to give my best, every single day.”
Her advice to students currently studying is to not be too hard on themselves.
“Nursing is a career built on lifelong learning and dedication. No one expects you to know everything right away, especially during placements or in class. Give yourself the grace to grow and learn.”
“Nursing school can be one of the busiest times of your life, with the demands of placements, assignments, classes, and often part-time work. Find something that helps you relax and unwind and make time for it. Taking care of yourself helps you care better for others.
“Finally, make the most of the resources Western provides. Study groups, library services, and practical skill sessions were incredibly helpful for me, especially when preparing for exams or tackling tough assignments. They also helped me feel more confident during placements, and ultimately left a strong impression on my supervisors.”
Western’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is setting students up for success with state-of-the-art facilities (opens in a new window) to enhance learning and job readiness.
Students can be transported to mock hospital wards, simulated birthing suites and more healthcare environments without leaving campus, allowing for interactive learning opportunities in low pressure scenarios ensuring they graduate with a full toolkit ready to take on the challenges of the profession.
ENDS
15 July 2025
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