Impact of Studying Adolescent Health and Wellbeing – a conversation with Nicole Simpson

In this conversation our master’s coordinator Kristina spoke with Nicole one of our fabulous Master’s graduates.

Nicole is a highly accomplished and dedicated Clinical Nurse Specialist with 20 years of comprehensive experience in clinical care, nursing education, and adolescent health and wellbeing. Equipped with a deep passion for enhancing the lives of young patients and a commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services. Proficient in fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for both patients and their families. Demonstrated expertise in managing complex cases and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver optimal care outcomes. She currently works as a Wellbeing and health In-Reach Nurse with the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District supporting vulnerable families to access health services.  In her spare time she likes to cook, go to the gym and spend time with her partner and puppy.

How did you find out about the Adolescent Health and Wellbeing (AHW) courses at the University of Melbourne (UoM)

I was chatting with a colleague about undertaking my Master’s but wanted to do something that related to the area in which I was working not just a general nurse master’s, she knew some people who had completed the oncology stream and recommended it.

How long did it take you to decide to enrol in the Graduate Certificate/Diploma course?

I enrolled within a few weeks of hearing about it, I had been looking for something for a while and this met all of my criteria.

What inspired you to tackle a Master’s by a minor thesis?

It was a course that was relevant to my area of work and there were no other courses in this area available.

What did you like about doing the course?

That it was completely online (partly due to Covid) and the variety of participants – police, nurses, youth workers. It was interesting to see and hear different perspectives.

What was your favourite subject during your studies in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing?

The Minor thesis- although also my least favourite subject. Parts of the process were frustrating but the data analysis and putting together the paper was so satisfying, being able to have my own thoughts and ideas was liberating.

What was the hardest thing about studying with us?

Juggling full time work and part time study.  I did 2 subjects a semester and it was a juggle particularly toward the end of the semester when multiple assignments were due at the same time.

What was the most surprising thing you learnt during your studies with us?

From a personal perspective – I learnt that I have more resilience than I thought I did, writing a minor thesis is not an easy feat – particularly when working full time in a pandemic in which I was at the frontline as a nurse.

What has been the most significant change, for you, as a result of doing the course?

The contacts and connections I have made within the field of adolescent health. I have colleagues who now see me as an ‘expert’ in the field and was asked to contribute to a module on adolescent health for a postgraduate course.

Why is this significant

I think being acknowledged as an expert in the field solidified the decision to undertake a course that was a little out of my comfort zone.

What difference has it made?

It has opened up doors and future career prospects.

Any last thoughts for people considering doing either the graduate certificate or the Graduate Diploma/Masters in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing?

Go into it with an open mind knowing that you will connect with people from a variety of professional backgrounds.  It won’t always be easy but the sense of achievement when you hold your minor thesis in your hands, knowing that the content of it is your own thoughts, and conclusions, is very satisfying.

Hear from more of our students in our past student interview series – the impact of studying adolescent health and wellbeing. 

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