A graduate of Northpine Christian College at Dakabin was already celebrating the start of her nursing career before officially receiving her degree at a recent USC graduation ceremony on the Sunshine Coast.

Aleysha Smith, 21, has moved from Deception Bay to Wondai for a job as registered nurse at Kingaroy Hospital.

The Bachelor of Nursing Science graduate said her USC degree had given her the resources to work effectively and safely, ranging from communication skills to advanced life support.

“I am currently working in the hospital’s renal unit with patients who have end stage renal disease,” she said.

“I care for them using dialysis treatment and I love the autonomy of working as a dialysis nurse. It involves critical thinking and clinical skills.”

Aleysha chose USC after attending its Open Day when she was in Year 12.

“USC was by far the best in terms of help and engagement and the campus at Sippy Downs was enriched with the latest technology and resources. I loved it instantly,” she said.

“The lecturers and tutors were very engaged in our learning experience, classes were readily available and resources easily accessible, for example finding out how to apply for a Blue Card.

“I always felt accepted at USC. It is inclusive of all people and has a safe, friendly learning environment that gave me the confidence to enter employment.”

Applications are now open via QTAC to study at USC next year, when the University will also open its new Moreton Bay campus with a state-of-the-art foundation building and almost 50 degrees. For information on how to apply to USC, go to www.usc.edu.au/learn