A former retail worker has overcome self-doubt to excel in her University of the Sunshine Coast studies, graduating at the Moreton Bay campus last week with a Nursing Science degree, an academic award – and a sought-after job at a private hospital at Kippa-Ring.

Jessica Farinosi, 24, who studied at USC Caboolture campus while living at Elimbah, said she was “absolutely chuffed” at her results and her role as a graduate registered nurse at Healthscope's Peninsula Private Hospital.

“I was offered the role late last year and began the program in February,” said Jessica, who earned a University Commendation for Academic Excellence for her grade point average of 6.16 out of a perfect 7.

Jessica, who now lives at Chermside, was among more than 120 graduates at USC’s first ever Moreton Bay graduation ceremony on campus at Petrie.

“I originally looked to USC when I was 17, straight out of Caboolture State High School,” she said. “I saw it as the perfect platform for my sporting, education and social goals.

“I knew I had found my university but I was anxious about choosing from such a broad range of study options. I wanted further life experience before starting a degree.

“After four years in a progressive management role, watching friends and casual staff members on their own USC journeys, I was itching to get back to the books.

“After counselling with the incredible student support services at USC and talking to graduates, any self-doubt was washed away and replaced with a relentless drive to enter the healthcare industry.

“I was confident that my management skills, interest in human physiology, and desire to support and guide others, would make Nursing Science a perfect career move.”

Jessica said she found new friends in her first semester “who stuck with me to the last”.

“I loved Nursing, the language, the challenges, the people you meet, and the feeling of success when you move into each new phase,” she said.

“After finding my groove with writing assessments, I was able to improve my grades and assist others who needed additional guidance."

In her second year, Jessica started working as an assistant in nursing (AIN) in the aged care sector.

“I took these fundamental AIN skills into every clinical placement and found success in my ability to work and learn as an active team member.

“Seeing my own ability to link theory into practice, for the benefit of patient safety and improved healthcare outcomes, never failed to bring me joy.”

She is currently completing a graduate year in a surgical rotation: four months in a surgical ward, four months in a Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) and four months in a Day Surgery Unit (DSU).

“No two days are the same, and I couldn’t be more grateful for my team and the speciality clinical knowledge I am gaining.

“I enjoy the fast pace of a surgical environment, the consistent critical thinking, planning and teamwork required.

“I am also excited by the potential to transfer my surgical nursing skills into a range of specialities, including emergency, and to study a Master of Nursing in clinical education.”