Simon Moore, 40, to begin dream career as nurse

A Geelong dad will finally begin his dream career as a nurse at the age of 40 after graduating from Deakin University this week.

Simon Moore with his daughter Elodie, 2. has graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Nursing Distinction. Picture: Brad Fleet

A Geelong dad will finally begin his dream career as a registered nurse at the age of 40 after graduating from Deakin University this week.

Simon Moore considered studying nursing when he was younger, but instead spent 10 years working in the hospitality industry and completed an environmental science degree.

Years later, he decided to head back to university to study a Bachelor of Nursing to be able to work in a sector that helps people in his community.

“That pull to study nursing was too strong,” Mr Moore said.

“I realised I wanted to be working more closely with people and providing real support in times of need.”

Simon Moore with his daughter Elodie, 2, has graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Nursing Distinction. Picture: Brad Fleet

Like many recent graduates from Deakin University and other universities across the country, Mr Moore completed his course in the height of the pandemic.

While attending lectures and completing assignments, he was juggling life at home with his wife and their baby daughter, Elodie.

But his hard work and determination paid off when Mr Moore was offered a graduate nursing role at Bawon Health in post-anaesthetic care.

He said the position was “number one on (his) preference list” and he was “excited” to be joining the hospital’s team.

“We had just moved from Melbourne when I started studying at Deakin’s waterfront campus and this really cements our future as a family living in Geelong,” Mr Moore said.

In four ceremonies across Tuesday and Wednesday at Costa Hall, more than 1100 graduates received their degrees in various areas such as law, business, art, health and engineering.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said graduation days were always an “incredibly joyful” time for students, their families and staff.

“Obtaining a university degree is a huge accomplishment and we are always excited to see our graduates go out and take their place in the community,” he said.

Originally published as Simon Moore, 40, to begin dream career as nurse