After graduating with her Bachelor of Nursing in 2023, Alex began her graduate year at St Vincent’s, rotating through General Medicine before joining the Emergency Department. It was there she found her place, working in the fast-paced, complex environment she had always envisioned.

In 2025, Alex was honoured as Graduate of the Year, receiving a $1,000 scholarship. She used it to complete the Advanced Life Support Level 2 Course – specialist training in recognising critically unwell patients, leading resuscitations, and working as part of a response team.

“The course gave me the confidence to act quickly and advocate for my patients,” Alex says. “I use these skills every day in the ED – recognising when someone is deteriorating, communicating effectively with doctors, and keeping patients safe. It’s also allowed me to share knowledge with other graduates and students, which has been incredibly rewarding.”

For Alex, the scholarship was more than financial support – it was an investment in her growth and the care she can deliver. “Courses like ALS2 are expensive and not always accessible early in your career. This opportunity has accelerated my development and means I can give more back to my patients and my team.”

Looking ahead, Alex plans to continue along St Vincent’s structured career pathways – first the Pathway to Specialty Practice, then the Transition to Specialty Practice Program, before completing postgraduate studies in emergency nursing.

“Emergency care has always been my passion. I want to keep building my skills so I can care for patients in their most vulnerable moments – and also help mentor the next generation of nurses coming through.”