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A 25-year-old Queensland woman diagnosed with severe endometriosis said a team of nurses who cared for her after undergoing surgery to treat the disease had inspired her to become an Enrolled Nurse (EN).

Zoe Little, originally from Kavieng in Papua New Guinea, recently graduated with a Diploma of Nursing through Mater Education after completing the 18-month course in facilities across Townsville and Brisbane.

Diagnosed with endometriosis in 2020, Little said she had spent years dealing with 鈥減ainful disease鈥� since she was a teenager.

鈥淣o one could tell me what was going on for so long,鈥� Little said.

鈥淎fter surgery to remove the endometriosis, I had a real appreciation for the nurses who became great support people for me during what was a vulnerable time.鈥�

After completing the Diploma in December, Little gained direct entry to study a Bachelor of Nursing at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) through Mater鈥檚 agreement with the institution.

鈥淚 wanted to extend on my knowledge as an EN to become a Registered Nurse (RN) with ACU,鈥� Little, from Nundah on Brisbane鈥檚 northside, said.

Little said the Diploma 鈥渟et her up for success鈥� at university, and this year she started working on the orthopaedic ward at Mater 黑料吃瓜群网 Brisbane in South Brisbane.

鈥淚 was able to keep working as an EN while studying, and I absolutely loved that,鈥� she said.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great because I learn something in class and can see it happen on the ward a few days later.

鈥淓very day is different. Having that hands-on experience with patients who have been through hip and knee replacements is rewarding.鈥�

Little said her dedication to her studies and passion for health care runs in her family.

鈥淢y mum is my biggest inspiration,鈥� she said.

鈥淪he鈥檚 worked in aged care for about 20 years.

鈥淚t takes a lot to be a healthcare worker and you sacrifice a lot with the shift work; however, it is extremely rewarding to continue to show up for people every day.鈥�

Little hopes to continue her career with Mater after graduating as a RN.

鈥淚鈥檝e been with Mater for a while as I started as an administration officer, worked as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and EN. I鈥檇 love to be an RN with Mater,鈥� she said.

鈥淏ecoming an EN and getting that experience is incredibly valuable when becoming an RN,鈥� she said.

Mater Education Townsville Team Lead Tara Walton said the agreement with ACU gives Mater鈥檚 Diploma of Nursing graduates direct entry into the university through a Bachelor of Nursing degree.

鈥淭his agreement allows for graduates to receive 12 months off their three-year course at ACU. They are credited the first year鈥檚 worth of subjects of their Bachelor due to studying with Mater,鈥� Walton said.

鈥淭his means for our Diploma students, upon completion of the 18-month course, they can go and work as an EN, gaining valuable experience. Should they wish, they can go straight into a second year of their Bachelor of Nursing, taking with them the knowledge they have gained at Mater.

Mater Education offers placements at Mater facilities including Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Brisbane and Townsville.

Image caption: Zoe Little assists Mater 黑料吃瓜群网 Brisbane patient Yolanda Gawronski following hip replacement surgery.