Pippa Parkes

I was born and brought up in the UK in a small village near London. I attended the local primary and high schools, before gaining a degree in Information Technology and moving to London for work. I first visited Australia on holiday in 1998, returning in 1999 with my (now) husband on Working Holiday Visas, when we were lucky enough to be able to stay. We became citizens in 2004, and our four children were all born here in Sydney.

I was motivated to study nursing because I had been inspired by the midwives who looked after me in hospital when my children were born; not just their expertise, but their ability to create a rapport with me. Their care made such a difference to me and my hospital stays, particularly when I was feeling vulnerable. I took an extended career break whilst having children and couldn’t face going back into IT, so decided to look into studying nursing. My mum was a nurse (my dad was in IT) – I should have followed her footsteps in the first place!

I chose UTS because it was important for me to study part-time so that I could fit study around my family. My three boys were very young when I started in 2011 (5, 2.5 and 16 months), and my daughter was born at the start of my second year! A number of nursing friends recommended UTS and I was already aware of its reputation. The breadth and depth of the courses, and the structured part-time programme at UTS appealed to me, as did the location and I was really impressed by the staff and students I met at the open day. Applying as a mature student with overseas qualifications to dig up was a bit of a challenge, but I was thrilled when I was offered a place in the course.

The most rewarding aspect of the course was that each of the subjects challenged me to think about health in ways I hadn’t considered previously: socially, psychologically and culturally, demonstrating the holistic nature of nursing! Being able to put theoretical knowledge into practice on clinical placements was invaluable; I only wish the placements had been longer! I have also met and established lifelong friendships with fellow nurses through my studies at UTS. 

I am definitely more conscientious a student than I was the first time around! Studying subjects that are fascinating and delivered well certainly helps. Learning how to research properly is such a useful skill, one that I will carry forward into the workplace for sure. Developing the ability to work within teams is also really helpful. My husband and kids would definitely say I’ve changed over the past six years; becoming a Registered Nurse has fulfilled a personal need, outside of my family commitments, and I know I’m happier for it.

Studying at UTS has been entirely life-changing. I now have a brand new career path in a field that I find fascinating, working with awesome people from all different walks of life. In the event I do decide to study again, I wouldn’t consider anywhere other than UTS.

Now that I’ve graduated, I’m on the first rotation of my new graduate year at Manly Hospital. I am really enjoying the ward I’m on (a medical ward with cardiac and stroke specialties) and would love to get a job here at the completion of the year. I am also considering further study in future, either within Paediatrics or Critical Care, but will wait to see where this year takes me first.

The advice I would give to future nursing students is to be prepared to have your horizons broadened! Be open to views outside of your own experience, and absorb as much as you can from your lecturers and faculty staff members. Having a sound theoretical base will really help you when you become a Registered Nurse, but try and get as much practical exposure as possible. Good luck!