Hello, my name is Lucinda Cross. I’m a 23-year-old Mulgana Ngadju woman from Geraldton, 421kms north of Perth, WA. I joined IYMP Perth in 2018 during my studies at Marr Mooditj Training, where I was enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing.
Before finding IYMP Perth and wanting to study a diploma in nursing, I had a lot of options to way up and what was best for myself and my son. I am a single mother, with little family support in Perth, so moving down was a big challenge for me and the challenges I would face in the years to come studying. My son also has a speech and language delay, so this would mean a lot of future speech therapy and OT appointments I’d need to attend, as well as him starting kindy in 2019. I would need to think about times schedules and trying to make it work best to suit both of us. I sat down and discussed these options and challenges with IYMP and came up with a plan of action to continue my studies.
During my studies the IYMP staff have helped with tutoring me for assessments and simulations, they also helped me with the expenses of my nursing books, stationary and nursing supplies I needed to complete my studies.
The course was 18 months long and I was supported thoroughly throughout those 18 months from the IYMP staff during school hours and whenever need be for help. The IYMP staff helped with important documents I needed to gain my diploma, such as police clearances, working with children check and most importantly my nursing registration! I officially graduated in December 2019 with a Diploma of Nursing.
In 2019 I applied with the help of the IYMP staff for a graduate program with St John of God Subiaco, I was successful with the interview, and then successful with the maths test which lead to me being offered a contract for employment as a graduate student nurse. This program lasts 12 months with two rotations within the hospital switching from medical to surgical. I am beyond excited to be starting my new job and thanks to IYMP staff, program and assistance I wouldn’t be where I am without their help.
I would recommend IYMP Perth to anyone who is willing to step outside of their comfort zones and is looking for that extra support while transitioning into the study life. The staff will go above and beyond of your expected needs and not only support you with your studies but also if you need help in your everyday life.