NURSES, midwives and doctors were among those to graduate from the University of Newcastle on Wednesday, having completed their degrees in a pandemic highlighting the "crucial" role of health care staff.
Bachelor of Nursing alumni Emma Liddelow was "relieved" following her graduation ceremony, which capped off five years of study for the 22-year-old.
"I did teaching for a couple of years then transferred to nursing," Ms Liddelow told the Newcastle Herald.
"I always wanted to work with children and that's what I'm doing now. I just fell into nursing and I love it."
Ms Liddelow has already secured a job in neonatal intensive care at John Hunter Children's Hospital. She says the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how vital nursing staff are.
"Obviously it has always been an important career but I think COVID has highlighted how crucial nurses are and how big of a role they do play," she said.
"Definitely with the pandemic there has been more appreciation given to us. Which is nice."
However, Ms Liddelow said she already sees first-hand the impact of hospital staff shortages - which have been a central catalyst for recent industrial action.
"Every day I get asked to do a double shift so it is something that unfortunately is the case no matter where you work. But hopefully that will change soon."
47-year-old nursing graduate Jaime Maano said his "late career change" to nursing stemmed from a desire to help people.
"It's a lifetime career I think. Helping people is like and endless reward," Mr Maano said.
"The feeling is overwhelming at the end of the day if you know you were able to help people."
Since coming to Newcastle from the Philippines in 2007, Mr Maano has worked for Life Without Barriers and assisted in aged care nursing. He now works as an agency registered nurse across health facilities in the Hunter.
"I love travelling and meeting different people from all types of backgrounds."
Accompanied by his brother and 6-year-old daughter Julia, Mr Maano was "overwhelmed and excited" after his graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
"I've wanted to do this degree for a long time," he said.
"Maybe in two years I will apply to do my masters so I can teach in the uni.
"That's my career plan. To become a teacher."
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky praised the graduates, noting the importance of nursing staff to the future workforce.
"Today we celebrated the achievements of our graduates from the School of Medicine and Public Health, Bachelor of Nursing and School of Nursing and Midwifery," Professor Zelinsky said.
"The past two years have highlighted the importance of these disciplines, particularly in nursing, so it's wonderful to see that we have more than 400 nursing students graduating this week.
"Completing a higher education takes tenacity and commitment, so we are exceptionally proud to recognise these students as they complete their studies and enter the workforce."
