Bailey Watson

During high school, Baylie was fortunate enough to know that she wanted to study nursing after graduation, “I was always fascinated with understanding how the body worked and enjoyed science subjects throughout my education. Plus, I loved the idea of being able to comfort people in their worst times and assisting them to achieve their health goals. In year 10 I was lucky enough to complete student work experience at a private hospital in Kew, which instantly confirmed my love for healthcare”.

As a resident on the Mornington Peninsula studying with Monash at the Peninsula campus seemed a sensible option to Baylie, “Luckily for me, this university and specifically this campus became more than just a sensible option. During my first year of study at Monash, my studies were heavily affected by COVID. However, this did not hinder the learning opportunities provided to me as I completed all my learning modules online and I was attending my practical classes on campus”.

Clinical placements helped affirm Baylie’s decision to be a nurse, “As clinical placements began in first year; I was allocated to the rehabilitation ward at Rosebud hospital. Soon after completing my two weeks there, I applied to work as a Ward Clerk at Frankston Emergency. Surprisingly, I got the job and I have spent the last few years observing (whilst working) in such an amazing department that facilitated further professional development during my studies. Due to my work and experience in first year, I applied for the Monash at Peninsula or MAP fellowship program in my second year which ensured that I was going to be allocated to Peninsula Health for the remainder of my placements”.

The MAP program enabled Baylie to be allocated placements at Frankston Hospital in areas such as surgical, medical, emergency and intensive care, “The MAP fellowship also allowed me to have direct contact with the education team at Peninsula Health, which ensured any of my questions were promptly answered and I was thoroughly supported whilst on placement”.

One of the highlights of the clinical placements for Baylie was getting a Forensicare placement program for her mental health rotation, “I completed this placement at a high security women’s prison here in Victoria. This placement really has been one of the highlights of my degree and I highly recommend it to anyone interested”.

Baylie has enjoyed studying at the Peninsula campus, “The smaller size of the campus allows for a closely knitted community of students and more easily located classes. Which for me, was very important. I spent a lot of time in the Peninsula campus library, where I would hire a room to myself most weeks to revise content and complete assignments”.

“The nursing facilities at the Peninsula campus are also fantastic. Over the years I became very familiar with the labs used for clinical classes. Within these classes I got to practice my skills, simulate real life nursing scenarios and utilise some very fancy equipment; the simulation robots that replicated breathing patterns and had palpable pulses being my favourite.”

Nursing has become a passion for Baylie, “I fell in love with nursing thanks to Monash and the Peninsula campus. Thanks to the amazing teaching team here at this campus, I have now been nominated for Victorian Nursing Student of the Year, which I am beyond grateful for. I personally am not a straight A student, but due to opportunities provided to me throughout my degree I found a passion for nursing which I believe has aided me in obtaining a graduate position at the Royal Melbourne Hospital next year”.

Baylie’s advice to anyone thinking about a career in healthcare? “I would highly recommend giving nursing a go if you are on the hunt for a rewarding career, I am certainly excited to start my career and see where it takes me”.