USQ alumna Queensland Graduate Nurse of the Year

Toowoomba local and University of Southern Queensland (USQ) alumna Kate Carroll has been named the 2008 Queensland Graduate Nurse of the Year.

Currently working in the orthopaedic unit at the Toowoomba Base Hospital, Kate was also a finalist for the Australian Graduate Nurse of the Year award and attended a Gala Dinner in Melbourne's Crown Casino on Thursday, 15 May 2008.

'It's all very exciting,' Kate said.

'I was very excited and a little shocked, very honoured. The whole thing is a bit mind-blowing.'

Held during International Nursing Week, the Australian Nursing Awards celebrate achievements in nursing.

'It was really good to find out what people are doing in nursing and see all of the wonderful things you can do as a nurse.'

Graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing from USQ in 2007 Kate has since completed three placements around the Toowoomba area.

'The first placement was at the Gatton Hospital as a rural placement, the second was in orthopaedics in the Toowoomba Hospital and my third placement was at the Toowoomba Mental Health Unit.'

Kate said the nursing program at USQ provided her with a great foundation for her career.

'I found USQ to be very supportive. My studies prepared me well for working as a nurse.

'The course provided a good balance of theory and practical experience.'

Kate said a life-long interest in caring for people led to her choice of career.

'I've always been interested in nursing and the human body and helping people so it seemed like the perfect career.'

Kate plans to start her Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Nursing in July and hopes to eventually complete a Masters in Mental Health Nursing.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559