Passion for health takes Joel down a different road
TRUCK driver Joel Cresswell has taken a step back from his family-run business to pursue a career in nursing.
In the washing basket at Joel’s house is a mix of high-visibility workwear and a nurse’s uniform — and both outfits belong to him.
Joel, a part-time truckie, is studying to become a nurse, and is due to graduate in 2020.
Three years ago, he made the decision to reduce his hours with the family-owned transport business to head back to study and enrol in a Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Tasmania.
Nobody is more surprised about how it’s panning out than he is.
“I’d tried heaps of jobs, but I wanted something more mentally stimulating, and I just hadn’t found what that was,’’ the 30-year-old said.
“I was a bit of a lad when I was younger, only interested in playing football so, to be honest, I’ve been surprised at how focused I am as a student.
“I’ve had to make sacrifices and give up a full-time job, but I don’t think I would have had the maturity at 18 to do this.”
Joel’s mum, Cheryl, is a nurse. Joel recalls going to work with her when she was community nursing and he was just a young boy.
“I’d go on home visits with Mum and watch her do wound dressings. And my sister is a pharmacist, so I guess I’ve always been exposed to healthcare,’’ he said.
“Mum had often mentioned nursing to me as a potential career choice, because she thought I’d be good at it.
“I always liked the idea because I knew she really enjoyed her work, but I was initially very reluctant to pursue a career in nursing because I am a male.
“I’ve discovered, since I began my degree, that men are valued in nursing, and I have had nothing but support. Being a male in nursing has not disadvantaged me in any way.”
As a mature-aged student, heading back to study didn’t come without apprehension.
“I needed assistance with academic writing, so I booked an appointment with a student adviser and it was great,’’ Joel said. “This type of help was really valuable, especially in my first year.
“I’ve made the most of the university support that’s provided. The student centre helps with all sorts of issues.’’
The hands-on nature of the course has suited him. He has been on three practical placements, gaining experience in theatre, aged care and psychiatric nursing.
Next year, Joel will undertake two practical placements at RPA Sydney in the emergency and intensive care departments.
“There are so many post-graduate options in nursing, and I’m keen on critical care nursing, particularly burns and trauma, so the experience at a metropolitan hospital will help me determine if this is where I want to head,” he said.
Joel believes he has found a good balance between work and university study.
He encourages anyone with the time and focus to pursue a degree.
“If you have the passion for people and health, and you’re thinking of heading back to study, go for it,’’ Joel said.
“I do still enjoy getting out in the truck, but I just have to warn a few people to never call me ‘Sister’!”