Why I chose to study Nursing at Deakin University, Australia

My name is Mon Jeffrey Torio from The Philippines. My family and friends fondly call me ‘Monmon’. I am a registered nurse with an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) certification. I recently completed my Bachelor of Nursing degree, which I started back in 2019 at Deakin University’s Geelong Waterfront Campus.

I used to work for an international education agency in the Philippines, helping aspiring students process their applications and visa requirements for Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Hearing their positive feedback, I dreamed of getting an international nursing degree.

I wanted to pursue an international degree because I always had this insatiable hunger to continue learning. I live by the principle that education will always be one’s best investment.

Choosing Deakin University, a highly ranked university especially for nursing

Fast forward to early 2019, I enrolled with Deakin University because it is recognised as being at the forefront in nursing studies and research with contemporary technology and world-class facilities. They ranked first for skills development in Australia as they combine expertise and practical skills. While studying, I also realised that they utilise a competitive curriculum that was developed in consultation with various healthcare partners. I was assured that I would gain knowledge from experts because our lecturers were at the forefront of the healthcare industry.

During my nursing degree I experienced first-hand how excellent their faculty is and their commitment to student support. Since the university has a lot of international students, I felt that our curriculum was always relevant and up-to-date with global standards.

As an international student, I enjoyed how many of us come from different parts of the world. I was able to bond with local and international students, and exchange stories about our culture, spirituality, food and travels. We even talked about our different superstitions! It was nice to form deeper connections and respect with people from different backgrounds, which made my time at Deakin much more fascinating and refreshing.

Transitioning to online learning during the pandemic

When COVID-19 hit Australia and the rest of the world, I was in my final year of studies. I feared that I may not have enough energy and motivation to continue my studies. I literally thought of just withdrawing from my program then. But Deakin University came across as my silver lining. We were offered various study options through Deakin’s online learning platform, Cloud Campus. We had the flexibility to study at our own pace. The lectures and class discussions were all recorded, and they provided us with online apps that let us discuss with our classmates and professors with ease. I felt supported throughout because the university staff were very available and responded to my questions and concerns.

The lecturers also made the online classes livelier by incorporating games. They also allowed us to express our feelings and emotions about the current global situation. I felt like I was not alone in this journey and that the people around me were sincerely ready to lend their helping hands.

I felt like I was not alone in this journey and that the people around me were sincerely ready to lend their helping hands.

“I enrolled with Deakin University because it is recognised as being at the forefront in nursing studies and research with contemporary technology and world-class facilities.”

Studying at Deakin University was definitely the right choice for me

I grew not just as a student but as a person. I had a better approach, attitude and character, which made me employment-ready. Studying at Deakin also gave me the remuneration advantage when starting in the Australian nursing field because it is a recognised school for my degree.

I was able to attain the skills and knowledge that gave me an advantage in my profession. I was exposed to units, lectures, mentors, schoolmates, and experiences that sharpened my capability and thinking.

Getting a job right after graduating

Through a combination of my hard work and what I learned during my study at Deakin, I was successful in gaining employment as a registered nurse in Victoria’s largest public health service, Monash Health.

I felt very prepared for my new role because as part of my degree I had my placement in the University Hospital Geelong, one of Victoria’s largest regional hospitals. Although I was intimidated at first and was worried that there would be language and cultural barriers, it really trained me for employment in the real world. All the theoretical knowledge I gained in university was consolidated during my training. I was able to rotate across different wards so that I could experience different roles.

In addition, I was delighted to be nominated by Deakin University to receive the 2020 Student Nurse Award by Aware Super and the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF, Vic branch). I believe that studying at Deakin University enabled me to do things I never would have thought I could. After studying at Deakin, I am more confident to carry the knowledge and practical skills that I gained.

Ultimately, to you who may be reading this and still contemplating about pursuing an international degree, I encourage you to take that leap of faith. We are all just the same dreamers who fear the unknown but as long as you earnestly plant your seeds, you will definitely earn yourself a fruitful harvest. I hope more aspiring students can receive the same positive experiences I had at Deakin University and that its multiplier effect will truly be invaluable.

Quick links

• Learn more about our Bachelor of Nursing program
• Learn more about our online to on-campus pathway
• Learn more about studying online
• Learn about our work integrated learning placements or internships