Embarking on a new path to a meaningful nursing career

Amy Earnshaw is not short of career experiences. After finishing school, she studied a bachelor’s degree where she majored in ancient history. She then switched things up completely by undertaking a postgraduate degree in policing, intelligence and counter terrorism.

“Having worked in these fields, I felt that something was missing. I've always been a ‘people-person’. I knew that I wanted to bring this into my next career,” says Amy. 

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy gave birth to her daughter. She saw first-hand the dedication of the nurses and midwives that cared for both and was in awe. 

As an empathetic and collaborative person, her birth experience was a revelation, and the nudge Amy needed to take her next career leap towards nursing. “I applied for the Master of Nursing, based at Westmead from my hospital bed!” reflects Amy.

A nursing degree in two years

One of the deciding factors for Amy in choosing the Master of Nursing at the University of Sydney, a graduate entry masters degree, was that the two-year postgraduate program considered the life experiences she brought with her. 

“My earlier studies, and professional career meant I had a lot to contribute to this new field, and it was heartening to know that this would be treated as something of value by my teachers and fellow classmates,” says Amy. 

The course not only gave Amy the clinical skills and knowledge required to care for her patients, but it allowed for her changing life circumstances. 

“The course allowed me to balance the responsibilities of being a new parent and working full-time. This was especially true when I decided to have a baby half-way through the program!” says Amy.

With both full-time and part-time options available, Amy was able to transition to part-time study after the birth of her second child, and she was able to complete the degree in three years. 

Nursing at Westmead

For Amy, there were a few key reasons why Westmead was the perfect option for her.

First, location. The Master of Nursing program at Westmead is convenient for students like Amy who resided in western Sydney at the time.

Added to this, clinical placements are located throughout western Sydney, including at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. 

“The Westmead Campus was an additional bonus,” says Amy.

“Not only was it close to home, it was also right in the heart of a tertiary hospital! It made complete sense to me to want to learn the material and then walk into a ward and apply it directly to practice.”

Second, the student cohort is small. With class sizes of between 30-40 students per intake, Amy found she was able to build closer relationships with her classmates, fostering mutual support and lifelong friendships. 

“This intimacy allowed us to really get to know each other - our aspirations, weaknesses and strengths. Together, we were able to support each other and learn with and from each other,” says Amy. 

Amy also reflects on the relationships she built with her teachers, who she got to know well.

“Each was willing to share their own experiences and knowledge with us, guiding us through our simulated labs and clinical placements,” reflects Amy.

The University of Sydney campus is part of the larger health precinct in Westmead. The Westmead Health Precinct, home to around 2,000 students and 1,000 staff members and affiliates, is a state-of-the-art centre for study, research, and clinical placements. 

“Being able to study in a tertiary hospital and leading health precinct was an amazing experience,” says Amy.

“I was able to learn the material in the classroom, practice it in our simulation labs (which had the latest technology and equipment) and then apply it directly to my clinical placements which were mostly in Westmead.”

Amy’s third career

After completing her degree, Amy secured a graduate position at her first-preference location, John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, NSW. She is also considering whether to complete a specialty program. 

“I see myself a lifelong learner. I want to explore additional areas and educate others. I'm excited to see where my nursing journey takes me,” considers Amy.

Amy sees being a Registered Nurse as a privilege.

She can care for people when they are at their most vulnerable. She is a listening ear, an advocate, and an educator. She is able to support them in their healthcare journey, whether that be towards recovery or for comfort/palliation.

“I am proud to be a Registered Nurse,” says Amy.

To those considering making nursing their next career, Amy suggests you need to be brave, and take the step.

“Nursing is an extremely rewarding career and one that gives so much fulfilment. You will meet so many wonderful people on your journey and make a true difference to every patient and family that you care for,” says Amy.