A Bli Bli woman who decided to attend university 10 years after finishing Year 12 at Mountain Creek State High School has launched her dream career with a job on the Coast.

Sammara Edwards, 28, was offered the graduate nurse position at Nambour General Hospital months before she officially received her USC Bachelor of Nursing Science.

She received a University Medal at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s April graduation ceremony, for her grade point average of 6.83 out of 7.

“I absolutely love my job, so much so that I call it my passion,” Sammara said.

“I’m working with people who have respiratory conditions and/or infections. It is fast-paced and stressful but satisfying at the same time. Being able to help, care and comfort patients, as well as making them just smile or laugh, is rewarding.”

She said the degree was essential to her success, particularly the hands-on learning provided by USC’s simulation facilities.

“I’d worked in pharmacy for nine years and knew that I wanted to work in the health industry. I chose Nursing Science so I could help people in different ways,” she said.

“USC was fresh and appealing, with a smaller and more personalised environment. There were numerous highlights, friendships and positive learning experiences, including practising our nursing skills on interactive manikins and volunteers.

“My future plan certainly involves further study, as nursing is an ever-changing profession with something new to learn every day.”

— Julie Schomberg