NINETEEN-year-old Australian Catholic University (ACU) nursing student Annabel Pike said her career choice is an extension of her values.
“Growing up I always believed that you were either born to nurse or you weren’t,” the former St Rita’s College, Clayfield, student said.
“I thought that caring and nursing were considered synonymous and would argue that caring is a least a partially innate quality – supporting the notion that nurses were born not made.
“For me, caring was a normal part of my life and … a product of my culture, values, experiences and relationships with others.”
Having also attended St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School, Clayfield, the second-year Bachelor of Nursing student and employee of The Mater Hospital, South Brisbane, has had such a “caring” career path in mind since she “was a little girl”.
“I loved St Rita’s and couldn’t say a bad thing about it,” Annabel said.
“I did a lot of charity work through high school and I think it carried through to now.
“Nursing allows an emotional connection and the personal satisfaction that I get from helping someone who can’t help themselves – that keeps me motivated and gives me the will to learn and be involved.”
Annabel didn’t “choose” to study at ACU Banyo as such however – they chose her, as the recipient of an Early Achievers’ Program (EAP) offer.
The program “recognises the achievements and contributions made by prospective students to their communities – through school, Church, sport or cultural organisations, or by providing care to someone in need” with placements offered in the October before normal tertiary admissions.
“EAP welcomes students with the ability and enthusiasm to succeed – something that is not always reflected solely in students’ academic results,” ACU Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven said.
“(It takes) into account a student’s character (and) is vital to the service and social justice obligations of a Catholic university.”
Annabel, an only child but close to an array of cousins, said chosen students “understand the importance of working toward the common good and have a willingness to make a contribution to their communities”.
It was her involvement in “elite sporting and various charities” such as The Hear and Say Program, Save the Children and Diabetes Australia that “secured the position” in the Bachelor program at ACU.
“It was great to be given the opportunity to apply for a degree based on more than my academic marks,” Annabel said.
“Having a hearing impairment myself (The Hear and Say Program) holds a special place in my heart.
“I was a delegate for this organisation for my five high school years and assisted with communities education.
“Their annual Butterfly Appeal was my biggest venture involvement, raising over $10,000.”
Helping Diabetes Australia was also close to Annabel’s heart with family members suffering from the condition.
The articulate teenager said the EAP “has also opened the door to employment”.
“As a successful applicant I was approached and asked if I was interested in some casual work with the university,” Annabel said.
“I am currently a student ambassador for ACU and with this position I travel to schools and expos to assist future tertiary students in their life-changing decisions.”
She works at The Mater and is also taking part in a “model placement” there, with most time spent in the general medical ward.
Annabel was quick to note The Mater Health Service’s Mission Statement, aligned with her own principles.
It states: “In the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, Mater Health Services offers compassionate service to the sick and needy, promotes a holistic approach to health care in response to changing community needs and fosters high standards in health-related education and research.
“Following the example of Christ the healer, we commit ourselves to offering these services to all without discrimination.”
“These values are very similar to my own,” Annabel said.
“… For I value mercy and the dignity and worth of each person.
“I too am committed to the spirit and integrity of each individual and wish to provide professionalism that encompasses compassionate care.”
Looking towards specialising in midwifery, Annabel keeps such values within reach.
“I read once, ‘Values underpin one’s ethical standard and, in part, influence what one expects of others’,” she said.
“Because each of us was raised within the system of values modelled by our parents, subject to our own upbringing and generational influences, faith may impact the work one does.
“I believe that healthcare professionals’ values should portray the concepts of equality, respect for persons, an ethic of care, health promotion and illness prevention, especially in the provision of spiritual care.
“This will in turn, allow the patient to maintain their personal and spiritual dignity – a vitally important aspect of professional practice.”
When Annabel has free hours – somewhat of a rarity, she said, working three jobs and as a university student – “spending time with friends” was also important.
For more information about the EAP visit www.acu.edu.au/counts
