ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp

Born and raised in the Philippines, Nina Smith grew up as one of nine siblings in a close-knit family. Education was always important, and nursing was a career she dreamed about from a young age. “Even when I was little, I would say I wanted to be a nurse,” she said. “I saw my sisters in their nursing uniforms and I told myself, one day, that will be me.” 

At 18, Nina moved to Australia to join family who had already migrated. She completed a Bachelor of Accounting in 2016 while working to support herself. “It was a big adjustment,” she said. “In the Philippines, I didn’t need to work while studying. In Australia, I had to do both.” 

After getting married and starting a family, Nina put her nursing ambition on hold. When she became eligible to study as a domestic student, she took the opportunity to return to university and enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing at a large Sydney university. 

_{Nina's family celebrating her special day at Bay Pavilions.}

Balancing study, work and parenting was challenging, and the large campus environment made the transition back to study even harder. “I had a big gap between degrees,” she said. “I was adjusting to study again while raising my kids, and it felt overwhelming at times.” 

Living on the South Coast eventually led Nina to explore other options. She transferred to the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp’s Eurobodalla campus at the start of her second year, a decision that changed her experience entirely. 

“I was so surprised on my first day,” she said. “The classes were smaller, and it felt more personal. I could approach tutors easily and I felt supported straight away.” 

At UOW Eurobodalla, Nina found the flexibility and understanding she needed as a parent. Tutors were approachable, supportive, and aware of students’ individual circumstances. “They understood if I came in tired after a night shift or if I needed support around placements,” she said. “No one judged. They just helped.” 

She also valued the practical support available, from academic skills sessions to help with assessments and referencing, to assistance in securing local placements. “Having placements close to home made such a big difference,” she said. “It meant I could manage my family responsibilities while still getting great clinical experience.” 

Nina completed hospital placements across the South Coast, including her final placement at Moruya Hospital. During this time, she also participated in UOW’s RISE project in Bega, an experience she describes as an eye opener. “It really showed me what rural nursing looks like,” she said. “I could see the impact nurses have in smaller communities and how important their role is.” 

One moment in particular stands out as a turning point. “During my last placement, they trusted me to manage my own patients,” she said. “At the end of the shift, they told me I had made a real difference. That was when I felt truly proud of myself.” 

Throughout her degree, Nina credits her tutors for building her confidence and belief in herself. “They reassured me that I would become a good nurse,” she said. “That meant everything.” 

Now graduating, Nina has secured a graduate nursing position with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, starting in February 2026. Her first rotation will be in drug and alcohol services, followed by a medical rotation at Shoalhaven Hospital. 

“I’m excited to learn,” she said. “It’s a new environment for me, and I know it will be challenging, but I’m ready. I want to use everything I’ve learned and grow as a nurse.” 

Looking ahead, Nina hopes to continue developing her skills and eventually pursue postgraduate study in a specialty area. For now, she is taking a moment to reflect on how far she has come. 

“It was hard at times,” she said. “But you’re not alone. There is always support if you keep showing up.” 

As she prepares to graduate, Nina feels both proud and grateful. “I’m satisfied with my journey,” she said. “But I also know this is just the beginning.”