#MeetUsMonday - Meet 'Aussie' Exchange Students Millie, Amelia, and Anna
Meet Australian exchange students Millie, Amelia, and Anna.
(Anna) Hiker. Harmonica player. Grew up on a farm in Roma, about six hours' west of Brisbane, riding horses and doing cattle work with her dad. Neither of her parents finished high school, making her a first-generation college attendee. The first in her family to enter healthcare. Originally a biomedical sciences student who discovered her "heart was not in it" who transferred into nursing and never looked back. Hopes to work in rural communities back in Australia after graduating.
(Amelia) Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia. Niece to a cardiac nurse. A devoted dog lover, and dog mom to a Greyhound "Allie." Loves to cook and bake. Has a penchant to travel, and has explored nearly 30 states across the U.S.
(Millie) Animal lover and cat mom to an enormous black cat named "Norman" and a dog named "Penny." Pickleball enthusiast. Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, and the granddaughter of a nurse and daughter of a psychologist. Future ER nurse, midwife, and nurse practitioner. Hopes to complete her nurse residency on the central coast of Queensland at U of Q before moving back to the United States to work full-time. "Only time will tell," she says.
THE DIFFERENCES THEY'VE NOTED BETWEEN U.S. and AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE
(Amelia) "One major difference is the higher level of support from techs and certified nursing assistants in the U.S., which allows nurses to focus on more complex patient care. Additionally, the advanced integration of technology in the U.S. healthcare system is truly impressive."
(Anna) "The differences I've seen are mostly about the affordability and accessibility of care. In Australia, we have universal healthcare which allows anyone to receive free healthcare. We also have a large portion of hospitals that are still paper-based, meaning that charting and documentation is done by hand and medications are not in Pyxis but rather organized shelving/locked cupboards.
"Nursing school is also structured differently, as we begin clinicals in our first semester and continue learning skills into our final year! I was also very surprised to learn that the medications are prepared at bedside rather than in the medication room."
(Millie) "One of the most significant differences I've observed is the level of technology integration. It's been an eye-opening experience, and has furthered my learning, but I also appreciate the more hands-on approach often taken in Australia."
UVA SCHOOL OF NURSING IN A WORD?
(Millie) "SUPPORTIVE. From the moment I arrived for my semester abroad, both the staff and my peers have been incredibly welcoming and uplifting. They’ve fostered an environment where I can grow and flourish as a nursing student. Whether it’s helping me find a classroom, teaching me how to pull medications, or even recommending the best coffee spots in Charlottesville, the support I’ve received has been exceptional. I feel truly fortunate to be part of such a compassionate and collaborative and supportive community.
(Amelia) "EMPOWERING. The School fosters an environment that encourages both personal and professional growth. The thoughtfully designed curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in healthcare."
(Anna) "CARING. I feel extremely supported by all staff and fellow students who are always willing to go the extra mile to help when needed. I was sick and unable to attend a lecture one day and received an email from my teacher checking up on me which I felt was so kind. I will definitely miss the sense of family in the School of Nursing."
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