‘I’ve always dreamt of being a Registered Nurse’: From AIN, to EN, to RN

A Townsville mum who was inspired to become a nurse after seeing her grandmother hospitalised, admits the journey to being an registered nurse ‘is not easy’, but worth it.

Central Queensland University campus in Townsville North Queensland

A Townsville mum who was inspired to become a nurse after seeing her grandmother hospitalised, admits the journey to being an registered nurse ‘is not easy’ but worth it.

Alicia Rivero graduated with her Bachelor of Nursing from CQUniversity on Thursday, May 1.

“I was an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) for five years before becoming an enrolled nurse. I’ve always dreamt of being a registered nurse and decided it was time to do my Bachelor of Nursing,” Ms Rivero said.

“There were times I wanted to give up completely. Balancing placement with a 14-week-old baby and exams was a huge struggle … Despite all of this, I pushed through with determination.”

Ms Rivero was inspired to become a nurse after her grandmother spent a substantial amount of time in hospital with heart disease.

Alicia Rivero

“I witnessed first-hand the incredible care and compassion shown to her by the nurses,” she said.

“Seeing the difference that quality care made in her life inspired me to want to provide that same level of support to others.”

Ms Rivero said her experience at CQUniversity was both rewarding and challenging, and while studying she was able to secure a graduate nursing position at the Mater Private Hospital.

“I started in February and am training to become an anaesthetic nurse. Anaesthetics seems to be the place I’ll have a long-term career in,” she said.

Ms Rivero was also assisted by a $6000 Townsville Hospital and Health Service Indigenous Student Scholarship, provided to Indigenous students studying a Bachelor of Nursing in the Townsville region.

“I strongly encourage other First Nations people to consider a career in nursing,” Ms Rivero said.

“Our communities need you.”

Originally published as ‘I’ve always dreamt of being a Registered Nurse’: From AIN, to EN, to RN