Maria Dent

I’m a registered nurse specialising in aged care and infection control. I previously worked for a private company that consulted with aged care facilities about their infection control requirements. Beyond the clinic, I’ve worked as a nursing educator, teaching in universities and with various RTOs to deliver certificate III, IV and diploma subjects.

Three years ago, all three of my daughters were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes within the space of six months. It changed everything for me. Despite my nursing experience, I found myself having to make lots of decisions about their medication, nutrition and general health that I initially felt were way beyond my capabilities.

I enrolled in a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management at UTS, which I completed in 2018. At the time, I did the course to assist my kids to manage their conditions. I suppose I wanted to get a certificate to remind myself that hey, I’m qualified to do this.

My studies were completed mostly online, with five-day blocks of face-to-face time each term. As well as giving me confidence in my ability to support my children, the graduate certificate has also given me added skills and knowledge from a nursing and education perspective.

Something I always tell my students who are interested in nursing is to find something you can relate to and enjoy. There are many fields of nursing, and when you’re doing your undergraduate degree, don’t be afraid to try different clinical areas. Sometimes you might be surprised that an area you never thought of might be where you enjoy working the most.

More importantly, don’t be afraid of change. Change allows us to grow and develop. Be knowledgeable, be skilful, be competent, but also be willing to try something new from time to time. 

I’ve always considered myself to be someone who can adapt to different situations, and the last three years have been a real test of my skills. I’m currently working in a non-nursing role that’s enabling me to really present for my children.

Eventually, I’m very keen to return to nursing. I’d like to work in an area where I can support the parents of children with type 1 diabetes, as well as the kids themselves. I know firsthand how stressful and frightening it can all be, especially in the early days.

I’ve definitely changed and grown as a nurse and a mum ever since the day my kids were diagnosed with diabetes. That was a life changer that brought me to postgraduate study.  

Find out more about the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education & Management at UTS.