Becoming a nurse has been a long-held dream for SuniTAFE Diploma of Nursing graduate, Sophie Vrybergen.

Sophie was one of 98 students who received their diploma qualifications at the 2023 Graduation and Awards Ceremony in Mildura.   

“I aspired to choose nursing as a career since I was a teenager, but I decided to pursue it once my children were all school-aged,” Sophie said.

She has achieved this aspiration, and currently works as both an Enrolled Nurse and a Pathology Collector.

“I am lucky enough to work with the wonderful staff at the Mildura Base Public Hospital as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse. I am gaining experience in providing care to patients with a wide range of illnesses and conditions.”

“I also work casually at Austin Pathology as a Pathology Collector, a highly valuable skill to have learnt to complement my nursing abilities,” she said.

Sophie credits her time at SuniTAFE as a reason for her career success.
“SuniTAFE has helped teach me the skills and discipline required to successfully work as a nurse and to pursue further study.”

“The facilities were clean and there were plenty of resources for our practical sessions. I had some of the most knowledgeable teachers during my studies,” Sophie said.

During her studies, Sophie was regarded as an exceptional student. She is described by her teachers as an engaged and respectful learner, with outstanding problem-solving skills. She possessed a great willingness to learn. Sophie also received positive feedback during her industry placements.

For this reason, Sophie was awarded the Board Excellence Award at SuniTAFE’s Mildura Graduation and Awards Ceremony.

“I feel grateful to have even been considered for the award. It is a real personal achievement.”

“I always tried to put in 100% effort throughout my studies and receiving this award makes me feel that my efforts have really paid off. In addition, this achievement looks fantastic on my CV,” Sophie said.

Using the Diploma of Nursing she obtained at SuniTAFE, Sophie has been able to transition directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University and is completing this alongside her work as an Enrolled Nurse.

Interested in studying HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing at SuniTAFE? Click here to read more.