School nurse speaks of career

School nurse Kay Thompson with NDSHS students.

Noosa District State High School Year 11 Social and Community Studies students are delving into the world of work this term with insights into a career in nursing provided this week by school nurse Kay Thompson.

Ms Thompson spoke to the class about her experience training and working as a clinical nurse in a hospital setting before taking on the role of a school-based nurse.

“I much prefer working with people who are conscious and able to talk back, I like people. Working with people who are elderly and not in their own home, gravely ill, in palliative care and dying and stuck in bed can be very difficult and challenging,” Ms Thompson said.

The diversity of career options within nursing were discussed in detail.

Ms Thompson told the students who were unsure about their future career pathways not to worry.

“It’s OK, and perfectly normal, not to know what you want to do when you leave school. I didn’t know; your teacher, Miss Muir, didn’t think she would be a teacher when she was at school. Things change and what you’re interested could change too,” Ms Thompson said.

The Year 11 students have a good rapport with Ms Thompson and enjoyed having her in the classroom for the lesson.