New Albany nurses celebrate 18 months of hard work with South Regional TAFE graduation awards ceremony

South Regional TAFE’s nurses reached the end of their studies last month, with the cohort’s top achievers recognised in an awards ceremony. Graduates, teachers, families and friends gathered on campus on June 26 to see the small but dedicated cohort of newly qualified nurses officially sign off the first chapter of their careers in health care. South Regional Tafe nursing course co-ordinator Megan Thurkle said they took great pride in the work and accomplishments of students throughout the rigorous 18-month program. “Many students have successfully balanced demanding academic requirements with personal and professional responsibilities, a testament to their resilience and dedication,” she said. “The program itself is intensive, incorporating a substantial clinical placement component, and each graduate should be commended for achieving this significant milestone.” The cohort’s top students were recognised on the night with a trio of awards, handed out to graduates by South Regional Tafe managing director Blair Marsh. Paris Wallinger took home the academic excellence award for her consistently outstanding academic work across the diploma course, and Kieran Stephans won the lecturers’ award. Tyra Manganaro and Maddison Fu were joint winners of the clinical excellence award. Many of the graduates have already taken their first steps into the workforce across regional and metro health facilities, and some have also chosen to continue on to university in programs including registered nursing. “Nurses play a pivotal role in the healthcare system, consistently delivering compassionate, high-quality care that is essential to patient outcomes and community wellbeing,” Ms Thurkle said. “The graduates of the Diploma of Nursing program have demonstrated commendable academic proficiency and clinical competence throughout their studies, and they should be proud of their significant achievements. “The nursing celebration evening serves as a formal occasion to acknowledge the dedication and accomplishments of all graduating nursing students. “It also provides a platform to present three distinguished awards that honour outstanding achievements in academic excellence, clinical excellence, and an overall commendation selected by the South Regional Tafe Nursing lecturing staff. “Congratulations to all award recipients on their well-deserved recognition.”