James Cook University, Centre for Rural and Remote Health hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate the graduating third year nursing student's final day of classes and reflect on three years of hard work.
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Third year nursing students and their families, friends, lecturers and tutors attended the event on Friday July 5. Students were presented with badges and bouquets of flowers by senior lecturer, Jodi Brown and CRRH Director, Professor Sabina Knight.
Attendees also enjoyed afternoon tea and presentations from JCU and North West Hospital and Health Services' guest speakers, Professor Sabina Knight, Dr Sandy Campbell, and Michelle Garner.
Graduating student Georgia McManus spoke fondly of her time with JCU's Centre for Rural and Remote Health.
"I am really glad I got to complete my degree in Mount Isa in comparison to a metro area," Ms McManus said.
"The facilities here in Mount Isa have been exceptional. The staff are amazing and so welcoming, and a lot of our tutors come directly from the hospital so we not only get the theory, but we also hear stories of real life experiences and get to reflect on that and build our knowledge."
Third year nursing student Nikki Charlton said the resources of the library and supportive staff were amazing.
"Even though there are lots of other students in Townsville and Cairns it's amazing to have such a small, supportive group," Ms Charlton said.
North West Hospital and Health Service's Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery and Clinical Services, Michelle Garner, said Mount Isa was fortunateto have an onsite campus to train nurses locally.
"I think it is really hard for nurses to leave their hometowns to train, so to be able to stay home and be with your family, you are much better adjusted and you get to come and look after a community you have grown up with," Ms Garner said.
Whilst the nursing students still have a semester to go until their JCU graduation ceremony, this event marked the final day on campus for the graduating class.
Students will spend the reminder of the year on clinical placement.
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