Townsville grandmother Sally Burnham celebrates as she’s named Mater Hospital’s oldest nursing graduate
A woman in her 60s who had the goal of making a difference in patients’ lives set in her sights even after a 50-year study break has celebrated her recent graduation.
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One woman has proven it’s “never too late to study” after becoming the oldest nursing graduate at a Townsville hospital at age 67.
Railway Estate grandmother Sullian (Sally) Burnham celebrated her graduation at the Mater Private Hospital Townsville Conference Centre recently after completing a Diploma of Nursing 50 years after closing the study books.
“I was looking for something physically and mentally active, and I wanted shift work,” Ms Burnham said.
“I wanted something where age wasn’t a judgement of capability.”
The graduate started studying in January last year and, 18 months later, secured a spot in the highly competitive Mater Enrolled Nurse Graduate Program at the Mater Private Hospital.
“I was surprised and excited when I found out I received an offer,” the grandmother of five said.
“Never think you can’t do it – you’re never too old!
“My family were very proud that I was willing to take on something new and challenging and have been very supportive.”
She shared that she had previously worked as a first-aid responder on Flinders Street and was “ready for a career change”.
“My previous experience has given me the ability to work with diverse groups of people and handle challenging situations quite well,” she said.
The idea of continuing on with further studies is still up in the air, according to Ms Burnham, who said she thrived from studying alongside teenagers and other mature-aged students.
For residents looking for more information on Mater Education student services contact 1300 070350 or visit the website at matereducation.qld.edu.au.
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Originally published as Townsville grandmother Sally Burnham celebrates as she’s named Mater Hospital’s oldest nursing graduate
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