Kempsey’s Amy Thompson has been selected to receive a scholarship from the Royal Flying Doctor Service in partnership with the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Nurses and Midwives to partake in a nine week remote clinical placement at Katherine Hospital.
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I hope this encourages Indigenous people to chase the career they want in life.
- Amy Thompson
The single mother of two boys, who also juggles two part-time jobs and full-time university, is hopeful her success can inspire other Indigenous people to pursue their careers.
“I hope this encourages Indigenous people to chase the career they want in life despite it possibly seeming too daunting at times,” Ms Thompson said.
“I grew up in Greenhill and when I was five I had a dream to be a nurse and my father had the same dream for me too.
“I am carrying on his legacy by pursing my dream and I will achieve it soon.
“You can do anything you want if you commit everything to it.”
Ms Thompson’s career choice stemmed from her passion to help people.
She believes nursing is the perfect avenue and she has already contributed to saving lives during placements at Kempsey District Hospital, John Hunter Hospital, Gosford Hospital and Taree Hospital.
Ms Thompson’s upcoming placement at Katherine Hospital will help her decide between remote nursing and flight nursing.
“The placement in Katherine will give me insight and knowledge on remote nursing,” Ms Thompson said.
“We will face different challenges and as I am in my final year of study it will be more hands on.”
The third year nursing student at Newcastle University will receive assistance for costs of travel, accommodation and food with her placement commencing on Monday June 26.
Ms Thompson receives support from her family and her children’s Nan and Pop will look after her two boys while she conducts her clinical placement at Katherine.
Nolene Brown, who has been a nurse for more than 40 years, has been a mentor for Ms Thompson since she began her degree.
Ms Thompson said Noelene’s support has been tremendous and she works alongside her at Kempsey Hospital.
Ms Thompson will finish her degree and become a registered nurse in November, with her graduation ceremony to be held earlier next year.