FOR half a century, Barb Griffiths has worked as a nurse. 

Now she is passing on her knowledge and wisdom to the next generation, while working as an Individual Support and Allied Health teacher at the SuniTAFE Swan Hill campus.  

“Becoming a teacher allowed me the opportunity to give back and teach the students the importance of caring for a person and what is all about and that it’s not just about rocking up, doing the task and walking out again,” she said. 

The opportunity to work at SuniTAFE was one that was first encouraged by Barb’s husband Charlie, who at the time was working for SuniTAFE at the Mildura campus as an Irrigation Management teacher. 

“I have been a nurse for 50 years and have previously been doing remote nursing up in Queensland before shifting back to Victoria. I have worked as a clinical nurse and in acute care, remote care and real care settings and project management but I was getting to a point where although I enjoyed my role as a nurse, I knew I was getting to an age where it wasn’t practical to be a clinical nurse anymore,” Barb said. 

“Becoming a teacher was something I had never thought I would do but ever since I did become a teacher at SuniTAFE, I have loved it.

“I love getting to share my experience and show people that have never worked in this area before what they can do and how they can build a rapport with people they are caring for. 

“My role is all about teaching the students how to interact and how to build a rapport and that’s what I’ve felt I’ve done over the last three years, the feedback I’ve got from students has been really positive and so that makes me glad I made the decision to become a teacher.” 

Not only does Barb love her teaching role at SuniTAFE but she has made herself at home in Swan Hill. 

“We love the area, we love the small-town environment as it’s very community minded,” she said. 
“Everyone is really friendly. If you go into any shop, they’re always willing to help you.  

“The staff here at SuniTAFE are just incredible to work with and everyone is always there to help you and guide you along. 

“It’s been a really awesome journey.” 

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