Mother and daughters graduate side-by-side as nurses

A Western Sydney family has marked an extraordinary milestone, as Angela Robinson and her two daughters, Abigail and Emelia, graduated side-by-side from Western Sydney University’s Bachelor of Nursing program.

Crossing the graduation stage together symbolised the end of a remarkable journey for the Springwood family – one that saw the trio study, support, and succeed alongside one another on the path to becoming registered nurses.

It wasn’t a shared dream at first. Abigail had once considered following in her family’s footsteps into the Police Force or the Australian Defence Force. But when her sister Emelia began studying an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) course at school, and a close friend started a nursing degree, Abigail’s interest in healthcare was sparked.

“I’ve always been a compassionate person, and I’ve always loved the science behind health conditions. Nursing just made sense,” said Abigail. “Looking back now, I’m so grateful. It’s just as rewarding as it is challenging.”

Emelia was inspired to pursue nursing receiving care by nursing staff and through the Health Inspirations program at Nepean Hospital.

“This was a two-week placement for Year 10 work experience. I went in wanting to be a physio and came out seeing all that nurses do and all the opportunities, pathways, and possibilities. I’ve always wanted to work with people and in health – whether physical or medical,” said Emelia.

As for their mum Angela, nursing marked a bold career change after an established 35-year career with the NSW Police Force – including nine years as a police officer and 26 years as a civilian communications officer.

“I wanted to be in a field where there were different specialties and opportunities,” said Angela. “When my youngest child was finally old enough, I knew it was time to pursue nursing.”

The three navigated the challenges of university life together, all agreeing they could not have done it without each other.

“I found the dynamic always positive. We travelled to uni and did our classes together. It worked well and for me, and was time I got to spend with them,” said Angela.

“There were times it got tough. If one of us was having a hard time or unsure of why we were doing the degree – usually me! – or worried about an assessment, the other two would be encouraging and supportive and the doubt would pass.”

“It was always a positive dynamic,” added Emelia. “We helped and supported each other through it all – classes and placements. We’ve made some forever memories together, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Abigail originally began her degree a year ahead of her mum and sister, but health issues delayed her progress. While unplanned, the timing ultimately worked in their favour.

“I am very grateful for this. Yes, it meant I would graduate a year late, but everything happens for a reason and this reason was spending more time with my sister and mum. Honestly, I could not have done it without them,” she said.

Clinical placements gave each of them invaluable real-world experience – and occasionally even brought them to the same hospital.

“I was lucky enough to do some of my placements at the same time and hospital as Milly but usually different wards. I also did a couple of rural placements, one in Goulburn in a mental health ward and I felt like I made a difference,” said Angela.

While Abigail didn’t share placements with her family, she said they were an essential part of her learning.

“As tough as placements were financially and sometimes mentally, I think they were such good learning opportunities and a place where you can find forever friends if you open your mind to it. I unfortunately did not have any placements near Mum or Milly but sometimes we would follow after one another which proved helpful for the second person preparing for such placements.”

Graduating together in the same ceremony was a moment of immense pride – not just for Angela, Abigail, and Emelia, but for the entire Robinson family.

“Our family is so proud of us as they know how much effort and time went into completing the degree,” said Angela.

“I appreciate my four kids and my husband for the support and patience shown while doing the degree. I’m sure it wasn’t easy having three people in the household studying and doing assessments at the same time!”

As for what’s next, the three are pursuing their own paths – though the door to working together remains open.