“How would you have gone if you had taken your mum to uni, Conor?” recent nursing graduate and mother Lorella McLatchey’s insightful question prompts reflection on the dynamics of family and personal growth. This question, posed to a journalist, opens a window into the extraordinary journey of Lorella and her daughter, Laine, both of whom recently earned Bachelor of Nursing degrees from USC. Their story is not just about academic achievement; it’s a testament to familial support and the pursuit of lifelong learning, resonating deeply with anyone considering a career change or embarking on the path to becoming a registered nurse, particularly through graduate nurse programs in Brisbane.
The notion of a mother and daughter studying the same degree at university might seem unconventional, yet for Lorella and Laine, it was a natural extension of their already close bond. Both were drawn to nursing for deeply personal and relatable reasons. For Laine, a career in healthcare was a long-held aspiration. “Laine was always going to be a doctor or a nurse,” Lorella fondly recalls. Laine herself explains, “I think I’ve always wanted to care for people. I’ve always had that side.” Initially exploring business and marketing, Laine soon realized her true calling lay in nursing, a decision wholeheartedly supported by her mother.
Lorella’s journey to nursing was different, marked by life’s twists and turns. Having worked in the family business and administrative roles, she felt a growing need for intellectual stimulation and a more fulfilling career path. “I had been at that crossroad a couple of times previously and I was like, ‘You know what, I need to start using my brain again. I’m going to go to Uni.’ Then we moved. Then life takes over again,” Lorella shares. The timing finally aligned when the opportunity to study alongside Laine arose. Choosing USC was influenced by encouraging conversations with nursing professors who inspired Lorella to take the leap.
Laine’s reaction to her mother joining her at university was overwhelmingly positive. “I thought it was great. Someone to pack my lunches still!” she jokes, highlighting their close relationship. “I was so excited. I think because mum and I are very close.” This existing strong bond, forged through years of mutual support, became the bedrock of their university journey together.
Navigating the demands of university life, family commitments, and social engagements was a shared endeavor. Lorella emphasizes the importance of their pact: “She agreed that she was going to help me… ‘I’m going to help mum. I’m going to get you through, because I know…’” Laine adds, “We got each other through the breakdowns. We could cry together,” illustrating the emotional support they provided one another. For Lorella, returning to academia after a long break presented unique challenges, particularly with assignments and referencing. “It was difficult, because I hadn’t written an assignment forever. I hadn’t done referencing or anything like that. So, just getting back into that academic brain again. It was interesting. But we did, we got there, and we helped each other.”
Now graduates, Lorella and Laine are embarking on their nursing careers, albeit on separate paths. Laine has already commenced her career in occupational health at Dreamworld, a role she finds incredibly rewarding. “I started in January and am loving the job so much,” Laine says, describing the dynamic nature of her work, ranging from first aid to mental health evaluations.
Lorella, on the other hand, is focused on securing a position through graduate nursing programs in Brisbane hospitals. These programs are crucial for newly qualified nurses, providing structured support and professional development as they transition into independent practice. While Lorella doesn’t specifically mention an aged care graduate nurse program, this sector represents a significant area within nursing, offering diverse opportunities for graduate nurses to specialize and make a meaningful impact. Aged care in Brisbane, and across Australia, is an area of growing need, making graduate programs focused on aged care or offering rotations in aged care settings highly valuable for new nurses seeking fulfilling and impactful careers. Navigating the application process for these programs requires persistence and dedication, as Lorella notes, “That’s just a matter of jumping through all those hoops, which is not that easy. It’s a long process and you kind of just have to hang in there and hope that something comes out of the whole thing.”
Lorella’s advice to others considering studying later in life is both encouraging and pragmatic: “I would encourage anyone looking at studying later in life to look at the journey as a challenge and not put too much pressure on yourself. Enjoy the opportunity and take each day as it comes.” The story of Lorella and Laine McLatchey serves as an inspiring example for anyone contemplating a career in nursing or seeking to further their education, highlighting the importance of support, perseverance, and the fulfilling rewards of pursuing one’s passions. For those looking into graduate nurse programs in Brisbane, their journey underscores the value of taking that first step and embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic field of nursing, potentially including specialized areas like aged care.
