Nursing studies unlock a passion for paediatric care
While studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Western Sydney University, Matthew Hyde discovered his interest in working with children as a paediatric nurse.
Completing his degree, Matthew kicked off his career in 2024 at Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick as a Registered Nurse.
“I have always wanted a job where I could feel like I was really helping people and making a difference to their lives, and it wasn't until I finally gained confidence that I could get through the university degree that I started making this possible,” said Matthew.
“I never initially wanted to work with kids because I was scared to face that field in nursing, but ever since I was exposed to it and had the opportunity to have a placement, I realised how much I loved it and wanted to continue with it.”
Studying at Western’s Hawkesbury campus, the degree combines theoretical knowledge while giving students the hands-on skills to provide care for patients.
“The nursing degree goes through evidence-based research techniques, and professional competencies within the health care sector before putting us in clinical laboratory settings to practice our skills and proficiencies before being sent out and exposed to real clinical settings.”
“The highlight of my experience in my degree was going into a clinical placement at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and being exposed to the Emergency Department where they had both a clinical setting for the adults and children in this area.
“Being able to shift between both and learning as much as I did there really influenced how I learnt in my studies, and it helped with understanding the theoretical side of my degree by being able to see how it all occurs on a practical level.”
Working at the Student Services Hub in the Future Students Team at Western, Matthew assists students beginning their higher education journey and encourages everyone to take advantage of all the support on offer.
“Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many resources and help at Western like the Welfare team who can support you through things including disabilities, mental health issues, financial hardships, and they are an amazing team to get support from.”
“There is so much academic support like the team from MESH who really helped me with the mathematics part of my degree, PASS where someone who has previously done well in the subject will help you develop some tools to also well and of course, your teachers will guide you in the right direction.
“Don't ever think that you cannot do it and succeed because you really can. If I can do it, why can't you?”
ENDS
19 August 2024
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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