Student Stories

Why did you choose La Trobe University at PSB Academy for your Nursing Degree? 
Nursing is a profession I deeply value. Supporting others and positively impacting lives are fundamental to me as a nurse. I always feel that enhancing nursing interventions demands ongoing knowledge and skill development. When I came across the opportunity to advance my career through La Trobe University’s top-up Nursing degree, I knew it was the right step forward for my professional growth.

PSB Academy has established a strong reputation as a private education institution and La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Nursing (Top-Up) offers a flexible, 100% coursework-based part-time degree. I found the duration of each module manageable, which allowed me to balance my studies and work commitments effectively. In addition, PSB Academy offers a scholarship that covers 50% of the tuition fees, for which I am especially grateful to have been awarded.

Is there anyone who inspired you to become a nurse? 
My late grandmother inspired me to become a nurse. A capable and compassionate midwife, she devoted herself to caring for people in her hometown, even when they could offer her very little in return. She taught me that working in healthcare is about helping others, showing compassion and making a meaningful difference in their lives. As a nurse, I strive to carry forward her values and honour her legacy.

How has being awarded a La Trobe University Nursing scholarship helped you in your course of studies? 
Receiving a scholarship is something I am sincerely grateful for. It has eased my financial worries while also entrusting me with the responsibility to perform to the best of my abilities. As a scholarship recipient, I have learnt to manage my time effectively and prioritise my studies, work, and personal life. It has also expanded my social network in school, as I have had the opportunity to participate in CSR activities that taught me meaningful lessons and valuable life experiences.

How well has the programme prepared you for your role? 
The programme is highly relevant to my professional practices. Modules such as Healthcare Law and Ethics and Education in Health Professional Practice significantly broadened my knowledge and skills. Healthcare Law and Ethics taught me to make decisions grounded in legal and ethical principles. It deepened my understanding of patient autonomy, including the right to refuse surgery and choose treatment. Education in Health Professional Practice enhanced my understanding of teaching plans, which are essential to my role. As I aspire to become a clinical instructor, this module helped bridge the skills needed to develop effective teaching plans for both my peers and nursing students.

Did the curriculum help you bridge theory and real-world nursing practice? 
The Nursing degree curriculum offered by La Trobe University is comprehensive and has enabled me to become an impactful healthcare professional. I am able to consistently act in patients’ best interests, strengthen my professional knowledge and skills, and refine my clinical judgement. Most of La Trobe University’s nursing degree modules taught me to conduct thorough assessments before implementing nursing interventions. As a result, I feel better prepared at work to understand each patient’s case in depth and continuously improve my assessment, analysis, and nursing interventions. 

How did you balance work, studies and family when studying for this programme? 
I balance my studies, work, and personal life through effective time management. Managing both study and work can be demanding, as it requires strong self-motivation and perseverance. I usually set aside time to work on my academic tasks by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts and completing them whenever I have pockets of free time. Whenever challenges arise, I continue to motivate myself to stay focused and committed to my goal. At the same time, I make it a priority to allocate time for rest and activities I enjoy to maintain a healthy balance and prevent burnout.

What advice would you give to someone considering to further their studies as a Registered Nurse? 
My main recommendation is to consider pursuing La Trobe University’s part-time Nursing degree at PSB Academy. Though there will be challenging moments due to the many commitments that come with a part-time degree, the journey will be rewarding as it allows you to grow both personally and professionally while advancing your career. 

This learning journey has reinforced my belief in the importance of continuous learning in Nursing. Nurses face different challenges every day in the workplace, and this is a natural part of the profession. Therefore, continuous learning is essential in equipping nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to overcome workplace challenges and provide better patient care.