2 minute read
Experience matters
Charles Sturt is a veteran-friendly university. We recognise and value experience in the Australian Defence Force, give credit for service and can use your rank to work out an equivalent ATAR if you didn’t complete Year 12.
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Medical Sailor Sarah Wheeler is preparing for her next venture outside the Australian Defence Force – studying a nursing degree. After eight years’ service with the RAN, Sarah decided the time was right to take her training as a medical sailor and make her experience count by specialising in a field close to her heart, paediatrics. Working full-time in the Navy meant that Sarah needed flexible study she could fit into her busy schedule. With Charles Sturt University, Sarah could access the right kind of support and found study was achievable. “Although my role in the Navy is in healthcare, it’s primary health focused rather than providing ward nursing care to patients. I’ve also only been working with generally young, fit, healthy adults. Pursuing a career in paediatrics will be a new challenge for me,” Sarah said. “I spoke to a few colleagues and I was told that Charles Sturt University is supportive of Defence personnel. They also offer the Bachelor of Nursing degree I wanted to complete via online education.
“Throughout my studies, I had the opportunity to do work placements in different local health districts and in different areas of nursing such as community health, mental health, hospital in the home, theatre, general medical and paediatrics. These experiences helped me decide the type of nurse I want to be.
“While I could transfer to be a nursing officer in the ADF, I want to work with children so have made the decision to transition out of the Navy. My nursing degree will allow me to transition into the civilian workforce.”
Sarah said she felt well supported by the University and its community throughout her studies “When I first started my nursing degree, I was offered access to Study Link courses, which helped prepare me for studying again and writing essays. I’ve also met some pretty awesome people and have made some lifelong friends throughout my studies. “We know veterans face challenges transitioning to the civilian workforce. There is the potential for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other health-related impacts. You learn a lot of skills in the ADF that don’t always correlate to a civilianrecognised qualification, which can make it difficult to get a job without a certificate to say you can do it. “Charles Sturt University helps by offering many support services around mental health and providing the civilianrecognised qualifications required to get someone a job. “It was sometimes hard to maintain service commitments and study commitments, but I refused to give up. Finishing my degree and getting my qualification was an absolute highlight!”
Ready to start your next chapter?
If you're a former or currently serving member of the Australian Defence Force looking to enhance your career, we can help. Make your next move count.
