2024 was a year full of changes, challenges, and life lessons as a nursing student in Australia 🇦🇺
🎢 The Uncertain Beginning
At the start of the year, I wasn’t even sure if I would get to study. If not, I was ready to YOLO and buy a campervan to explore Australia! 🚐
🧘♀️ Building Karma Points
I did free PTE tutoring, helped animals, donated, and meditated. Eventually, I got accepted into uni – it was such a heart-pounding moment 😆
📘 Page Launch & Cert 3 Completed
I started my page #AtomDekNurse to document this journey. I also completed my Cert III in Individual Support and got a job offer from the aged care home I was placed at – what a relief financially! 🥰
🧑🏫 Starting University
😢 Lonely First Day
I hoped to make close friends, but most students already had their own cultural groups. I was the only Thai in my year and ended up crying that day. I just wanted to belong 😭
📉 First Assignment = F!
I nearly failed, but turns out almost everyone did too. Only one student passed! I comforted myself thinking I was “top of the fail list” 😂
🧪 Loved Medical Science
Next subject was basic medical science – I loved it! Not only did I understand it well, I ended up with the top score in the group 😎
🍜 First Trip Back to Thailand
I was shocked by food prices in Bangkok! But happy to see my English worked – I got called to help a tourist at the BTS station and managed to communicate just fine ✨
🏥 Nursing Placement at Aged Care
My first placement was at the aged care home where I already worked – so it went smoothly. I even got offered a role, but I had to decline as I was already working there.
🤒 Term 2 Started with COVID
Missed two classes right away 😅 Got to learn about Aboriginal health and did my first ever classroom presentation – people loved my acting 😆
📝 First Written Exam
Multiple choice was nearly perfect, but the essay section was brutal. I ran out of time and lost a lot of marks 😭
🎙️ Trial Class with Aussie Tutor
To overcome language fear, I took a class with an Aussie tutor. It was tough – the teacher kept saying “Pardon?” which made me nervous 🤯
🔥 Placement at Alice Springs
It was HOT in the desert town of Alice Springs 🥵 But it was fun! Great accommodation, fast-drying laundry, lots of parties, and even a trip to Uluru 🎉
🏡 Returning to Adelaide
My partner picked me up – I was like, “Wait… I have a partner?” 😆 Then I saw the invoice for next year’s tuition and went straight back to work!
✈️ No Thailand Trip This Term
I just finished a month-long placement, so I didn’t dare ask for more time off 🥹
🔮 Planning for 2025
Next year will be tough with so many missions ahead. I’m bracing for it and ready to push forward!
🤝 If You’re Still Reading…
Nice to meet you 💖 Please drop a comment and introduce yourself – I’d love to get to know everyone!
📌 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What program are you studying?
I’m studying the Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry) at Flinders University.
How did you get to do a placement at Alice Springs?
It was arranged by the university, but we could express our interest in advance.
If I already have a bachelor’s degree, can I study nursing in Australia?
Absolutely! The Graduate Entry program is designed for people with previous qualifications.
Is the PTE difficult for nursing entry?
You’ll need a minimum score of 65 in all skills. With consistent practice for 3–4 months, you can definitely pass!
What’s the difference between placement and work?
Placements are unpaid clinical learning experiences, while real work requires certifications like Cert III and a valid visa.
