Bachelor of Nursing student Eve McKenzie-McHarg is in her second year of study at La Trobe University’s Albury-Wodonga campus.

1. What inspired you to choose a career in nursing?

I chose to study nursing because I have a deep passion for helping others and making a real difference in people’s lives. The ability to directly impact someone’s well-being, whether through a simple gesture or a skilled medical intervention, is so incredibly rewarding. Nursing also combines my love of science, compassionate and hands-on care, and gives an opportunity for continual growth of knowledge.

2. Can you share a moment from your clinical placements that confirmed nursing was the right path for you?

During my placement on the rehabilitation ward of a regional hospital, I had the chance to care for a patient recovering from a stroke. For the first week, I observed and assisted my buddy nurses in providing care, noticing that one particular patient often displayed mood disturbances, was irritable, and communicated with minimal words.

In my second week, I took the time to sit with them and engage in conversation. It was then that the patient opened up about a concern that had been causing them significant distress but was difficult for them to express. Once I understood their issue and it was remedied, I saw a remarkable change in their demeanour. The patient went from being irritable to genuinely grateful, offering a smile and patting my hand—a first sign of strong personal interaction. It felt like a breakthrough, a moment where simply being patient and listening made a massive difference. While it may seem small, it was such a rewarding experience that I will always remember.

3. How do you manage stress and find balance between your studies, work and personal life?

Balancing my studies, work, and personal life can be challenging, but I’ve learned to manage it by staying organised and setting boundaries. I consider myself to be quite busy, so I use calendars and planners to keep track of everything. I also prioritise time to rest and recharge as this is what helps me to succeed in other parts of my life. I’m also very lucky to have an incredible support system of family and friends who I turn to regularly for support.

4. What’s your top study tip?

My top study tip is to make to-do lists and combat tasks one step at a time. University work can at times be overwhelming so breaking it down into smaller, manageable pieces can really help. I also find that taking regular breaks away from my study space is a really great way to refresh and refocus. I love going for walks.

5. Which specialty are you most interested in, and why?

This is such a great question! I’m still figuring out which specialty I want to pursue, but that’s one of the things I love about nursing—the wide variety of pathways and specialties to choose from. It’s amazing that you can find something that really resonates with you. While I haven’t made a final decision yet, I’m definitely drawn to the fast-paced, methodical nature of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Department (ED) nursing, but who knows where this journey will take me!Top of Form

6. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their nursing journey?

Ask questions and be patient with yourself. Nursing is a lifelong journey – you are always learning, and it can be especially overwhelming in the beginning, but just remember you don’t have to know everything right away. In fact, you’ll always be learning something new, even as a nurse in a clinical role. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself – self-care is essential in this demanding job.

7. If you weren’t pursuing nursing, what career might you have chosen?

If I weren’t pursuing nursing, I think I would have explored another career in healthcare, like paramedicine or radiology. However, if I were to step outside the field entirely, I’ve always had a passion for history and would have loved to study that instead.