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Industry and Community A career change calling: Caitlin’s journey into nursing
Published: 31 Mar 2026
They say nursing is a calling and for Caitlin, that couldn’t be truer. Starting her career as a dental assistant in the Australian Navy it wasn’t until she experienced a medical episode of her own that she found her calling to become a nurse. Seeing firsthand how compassionate, the incredible skilled nurses supported her on one of her worst days. It was in this moment that Caitlin was inspired to become a nurse to allow her to be that person to help someone else on their worst day.
With this new sense of purpose ignited, Caitlin began to speaking with nurses about the best way to begin her training. She was encouraged to start with enrolled nursing to build practical skills that is more hands-on and that it will also open a future pathway to pursue becoming registered nursing in the future.
Building skills and confidence at CIT
Following this advice, Caitlin choose to study a Diploma of Nursing at CIT. Drawn to the industry-standard training and state-of-the-art simulation facilities designed to prepare students for real clinical environments. Studying part-time has also given her the flexibility to balance her studies with other commitments in her life.
“The teachers have been incredibly supportive throughout the whole course” she reflects.
“The simulation wards are as close you can get to being on a hospital ward as you can be as a student other than being on placement”.
These facilities allow students to understand how wards operate and to practice essential skills before heading out into clinical settings. Caitlin has also found a sense of community among her classmates, forming friendships and supporting one another through the challenges and successes of the course.
Real-world learning through diverse placements
Whilst the simulation wards provide a safe space to learn, placements give CIT nursing students true insight into the realities of the profession.
“The placement team supports us by finding us a ward to complete our placements in,” Caitlin says. “Throughout the course we complete 400 hours of placement across the three stages. The placement team is incredibly supportive, they come out and visit whilst you’re on placement making sure you are comfortable, safe and well supported on the wards.”
“I think the placement experience of the course has been my favourite part” she says.
Caitlin has complete placement she across a variety of setting in Canberra, including community health, mental health and Clare holland house (palliative care). These experiences have expanded her understanding of the nursing system and helped her see what working in different specialties really looks like. An insight that will guide her future career decisions. Placement has also prepared her for managing her own patient load and working as a qualified nurse.
For a lot of students, the first nursing placement is a moment of truth a chance to discover whether nursing is the right fit. For Caitlin her first nursing placement provided her with a lot of clarification that this where she is meant to be.
Advice for future students and a clear path forward
Caitlins advice for anyone considering nursing is to begin with enrolled nursing. It’s an excellent way to explore whether nursing is right for you and provides a strong foundation if you choose to progress into registered nursing.
After completing her Diploma of Nursing, Caitlin hopes to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing and become a registered nurse.
For Caitlin and many other CIT nursing students taking the next step is now more accessible. Through CIT to University of Canberra (UC) Guaranteed Pathways, your CIT Diploma of Nursing gives you guaranteed entry into UC’s Bachelor of Nursing and up to one year credit. Allowing you to not only transition smoothly into university but also fast track your UC degree and save on costs with up to one year of credit.
Learn more about studying nursing at CIT.