Balancing work, study and a passion for palliative care

Palliative care plays an important role in the community.

Care Manager at St Andrews Aged Care, Regina Huang, says she feels incredibly fortunate to have been awarded a full scholarship through Gold Coast Primary Health Network to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care.

“My passion for deepening my knowledge and staying updated with the latest developments in the field has always driven me,” Regina says.

“However, balancing a full-time job while striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance has proven to be a challenge.

“The addition of further study has, at times, left me feeling uncertain, but I remain committed to pushing through.”

Regina is enrolled in the course through the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), which offers flexible online learning. The Graduate Certificate consists of four units, requiring completion within a year, with multiple activities and assignments.

“This flexibility is invaluable, but time management has become crucial as I navigate the demands of studying part-time while working full-time,” she said.

“This is my first experience returning to full-time study after graduating from university in Australia, and to be honest, it was a bit intimidating at first. However, once I found my rhythm, it became easier.

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of understanding and utilising the resources available through the course. Colleges typically offer excellent library systems and reference materials that are essential for successfully completing assignments and activities.

“Of all the units in the course, I particularly enjoyed the unit on therapeutic communication. I’ve gained valuable insights into various communication strategies and techniques, with a strong emphasis on training and education. This is especially important considering the diverse demographic of Australia’s healthcare workforce.”

Another topic that deeply resonated with Regina was pain management.

“Over the past few decades, medication management in palliative care has seen significant improvements. As frontline workers, it is essential we stay informed about the latest practices and know what treatments are available to provide the best support for our patients,” she said.

After completing the training and successfully obtaining her Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care last year, Regina is moving forward with her goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
“I am currently studying for a Master of Nurse Practitioner at Monash University, continuing my journey in healthcare.”

Overall, the Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care has not only enhanced Regina’s knowledge and skills but has also reaffirmed her passion for palliative care. The challenges of balancing work and study are real, but the reward of being better equipped to serve in this field makes it all worthwhile.