When Irish Tse lost her grandfather, she felt powerless. But that moment sparked a determination that would shape the rest of her life.
“I don’t want to feel helpless anymore,” she says. “I want to contribute to the community.”
Now in her second year of a Bachelor of Nursing at TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus, Irish is well on her way to becoming a registered nurse, driven by a clear sense of purpose.
Her first patient during placement brought that mission to life.
“He had multiple sclerosis,” says Irish. “I saw him get better, and when he thanked me, I knew I was where I was meant to be. It was so rewarding. It still motivates me.”
At 28, Irish began her journey with TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Nursing, which she says prepared her for both the academic and emotional demands of the degree.
“It gave me the foundation I needed, not just with writing or assessments, but how to walk into a room, speak to patients, and be confident even when I didn’t have all the answers,” she says.
Now working in the cardiac unit at Pindara Private Hospital while completing her bachelor’s, she is already applying her skills in real-life settings, supported by the practical, hands-on approach at TAFE Queensland.
“The support at TAFE is incredible. The teachers go above and beyond. They care about you, not just your grades. I’ve never felt like just a number,” she says. “They explain complex theories in ways that actually make sense.”
The Southport campus’s realistic training environments and small class sizes gave her the space to grow and the confidence to ask questions without fear.
“That’s my advice to other students: be brave. Ask everything. No question is too small,” says Irish.
Irish sees her future in emergency care, where adrenaline and critical thinking meet purpose. One day, she hopes to volunteer in remote or disaster-affected communities.
“Nursing is never boring. It’s always changing, always growing.”
Scholarships available for TAFE Queensland nursing students
Becoming a registered nurse just got easier and more affordable, with TAFE Queensland now offering academic scholarships of up to $3,000 for eligible students enrolling in their Bachelor of Nursing program.
The scholarships, which are automatically applied upon enrolment, mean students can save up to $750 per unit in their first semester. There is no separate application process or extra paperwork.
To find out more, contact TAFE Queensland at tafeqld.edu.au
