PEOPLE
Jade’s life-changing journey at TAFE Queensland

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied
For Jade Anderson, studying nursing at TAFE Queensland is more than earning a qualification—it’s about shaping her future and the lives of those she’ll care for
“Studying the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE Queensland gave me the solid foundation I needed to pursue my dreams, and it’s the reason I want to keep going—my Bachelor’s, my Master’s, and one day open my own clinic,” said Jade.
“I found it nothing short of just life-changing,” she said.
From the beginning, Jade knew helping others was her purpose. The decision to study nursing was ignited by a series of pivotal moments in her life, including administering life-saving CPR to a family friend at 18 and later assisting in a birth.
“These moments solidified my determination to become a nurse,” Jade said. “They remind me every day of the privilege and responsibility that come with this profession.”
When it came time to choose where to start her nursing career, TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast was the clear choice.
“What I love most about it is the real-life experiences you get and the hands-on learning,” Jade said.
“Our teachers are practising nurses who don’t just teach—they guide and inspire. They care about you as a student and as a person, and that’s something truly special.”
Studying at TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus has provided Jade with more than just technical skills—it’s given her confidence and a sense of purpose.
“The facilities feel like real hospital environments, and every placement is tailored to help you grow,” she said. “It’s such an immersive and wonderful experience.”
After completing her diploma, Jade earned a graduate position as an Enrolled Nurse at Gold Coast University Hospital and is now advancing her studies at TAFE Queensland, pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse.
The 25-year-old’s passion lies in neonatal and pediatric care, areas she’s eager to explore further in her Bachelor’s degree.
“We touched on these during the diploma, but I’m excited to delve deeper throughout the Bachelor,” she said.
Jade’s ultimate dream is to create a healthcare space that merges compassion, cultural sensitivity and clinical excellence.
“One day, I want to open an Indigenous birthing centre where First Nations practices and Western medicine come together to deliver holistic care,” she said
Thanks to the hands-on learning, tailored support, and encouragement she’s received at TAFE Queensland, Jade isn’t just studying to become a nurse—she’s shaping a future where cultural connection and clinical excellence go hand in hand.
For more information about studying nursing visit tafeqld.edu.au