A special connection has sparked between QEII and PA Hospital in 2025, as mother and daughter duo Shelly and Isla embark on the experience of a lifetime—launching their nursing careers at the same time.
As she embraces her graduate year at QEII’s Palliative Care Unit Ward 3A, Shelly says it was her daughter who inspired her to make the switch to nursing after 20 years in accounting.
“I was always very interested in nursing and medicine. When Isla started her degree, I caught her enthusiasm,” said Shelly.
“I was lucky enough to do a two-year course, and so we graduated at the same time which was lovely. Our degrees sit side-by-side at home now.”
Across the ditch at PA Hospital, Isla is making the most of her grad year at the Vascular Surgery Ward 1C.
“I had my very first placement in this exact ward, and that’s what made me fall in love with PA. It’s a great tertiary hospital with a great reputation, and the nurses here are amazing,” said Isla.
As they wave farewell each workday, the pair look forward to a debrief over dinner, where swapping stories and encouragements comes naturally.
“I’m very lucky to have an amazing relationship with my mum and to go through this with her. It’s very reassuring to come home and have someone to debrief with, who feels the exact same pressure and understands all of the things you go through in a day on the ward,” said Isla.
“She tells me things and I tell her things, and hopefully we can make each other feel better,” added Shelly.
Inspiration comes full circle in the family home, where Isla and Shelly’s personal experience first revealed their natural aptitude for nursing.
“I have two children with special needs, and Isla has helped a lot with their care over the years, which I think is a big part of the reason we are both so caring and are doing this together,” said Shelly.
“It’s always been somewhat inherent because of that experience,” added Isla, who was equally inspired by her mother’s journey.
“I’m really proud of my mum. I can’t imagine how daunting it would be to go back to uni as a mature-aged student—but the way she pursued this dream makes me so proud,” she said.
Beaming with pride, Shelly says she can’t wait to see where Isla’s career takes her as she explores the possibilities on offer.
“The world is her oyster, so I hope she spreads her wings wherever she ends up,” said Shelly.