A recent graduate of CQU, Angie Tonner, has been named as the Australian Graduate Nurse of the Year, after being chosen from a field of nurses nominated from around Australia.

Mrs Tonner's award was announced at the HESTA Australian Nurse Awards in Melbourne on Friday evening (May 18) during a ceremony hosted by Mel and Kochie from Sunrise and presented by the HESTA Super Fund.

Angie with Mel and Kochie at the awards - Photo by: EventPix

The awards are based on dedication, excellence and providing holistic care. Details are at: http://www.hestanursingawards.com/

There was some doubt whether Angie would even make it to the awards as she is 38 weeks' pregnant but she got medical clearance to fly.

Angie studied at CQU's nursing program delivered at the University of the Sunshine Coast on a $30,000 Aged Care Scholarship program and was nominated by a colleague at St Mary's Aged Care Queensland (Pelican Waters), for her dedication and service to aged care.

She plans to attend the CQU Noosa Hub graduation ceremony in June.

"Being an Aged Care nurse nominated for doing what I have loved to do seemed a little surreal," Angie said.

Mrs Tonner said she had spent 12 years on her journey to become a Registered Nurse, starting out as a Personal Care Assistant at 17 years of age, then becoming an Enrolled Nurse, then an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, and now an RN at 29 years of age.

"I remember being 17 getting a shocking TER score, not getting excepted into uni but informing my mum and dad that even if it took me 10 years I would be a Registered Nurse one day," Angie said.

"I know in my heart that this (being a RN) is what I was always meant to be. I love waking up to go to work and so many amazing things have happened whilst nursing. I have learnt so many personal and amazing lessons, so many amazing friendships have been made and amazing things just keep coming. I love it."

Mrs Tonner, of Pelican Waters, said a large part of her study success at CQU was due to second-year preceptor (for clinical placements) Claire Hallian.

"Claire's knowledge, experience and support throughout the second year was amazing. Her constant happy disposition and encouragement made my clinical placement less daunting.

"She was a definate support when my mum was ill and ensured I took care of my personal issues whilst staying focused on university. I'm sure she still to this day has no idea of the impact she had on myself and every other student she has come in contact with.

"Also Sandra Lee who was a friend I met at my very first CQU class - she went from a stranger to my rock. She assisted me academically as no-one from my family had ever gone to university.

I asked her a million questions about the theory side of nursing whilst I shared my years of practical experience with her (as she had never nursed before). This is the greatest friendship I made whilst studying via CQU ... never forgetting that the students in our year were all really supportive, caring and close.

"Being a student of Central Queensland University was not only about learning for me as it has obviously changed my life.

"I made friendships I will have forever, I met nurses that I aspire to be like (Claire Hallinan, Marc Broadbent, John Kempsley), I learnt things about my own life through subjects at Central Queensland University (Lorna Moxham thankyou). The Graduate Nurse of the Year, my friendships, lessons learnt and this whole experience would not have been obtainable had I not got accepted into Central Queensland University ... it has been amazing.

"Also Peter and Kate Tanner at St Mary's Aged Care supported me greatly, enabling me to work whilst I studied, by adjusting my roster to fit in with lectures and my clinicals. They continously supported and encouraged me during my 3 years of study.They were as supportive as any employer could be and that support has continued since I have finished studying."

Angie celebrates at the awards
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