A former Frankston Australia Post employee who changed careers in her forties has won Ramsay's 2024 Nursing Cadet Student of the Year Award.

Laura Feddersen, Diploma of Nursing student at Chisholm Institute of TAFE’s Frankston campus, was chosen from 150 fellow nursing cadets nationwide to win this prestigious award.

Laura was accepted into Ramsay’s cadetship during her Diploma of Nursing and completed placements at its Beleura Private (Rehab) Hospital, Mitcham Private (Perinatal Mental Health) Hospital and Peninsula Private (Acute) Hospital as part of the program.

She was quickly selected for a graduate position at Ramsay’s Peninsula Private Hospital, only a month after completing her cadetship there.

Before starting nursing studies at Chisholm in 2023, Laura had an entirely different career; she worked at Australia Post for 15 years.  While she enjoyed her role, she’d always felt a calling to be a nurse.

“As I approached my forties, my interest in work that would help others in my community only grew stronger.”

“This passion inspired my transition into nursing.  Going back to school has been a transformative experience, enabling me to connect with a supportive community of peers and mentors who share my commitment to care,” said Laura.

A Free-TAFE course, Chisholm’s Diploma of Nursing enables graduates to apply for their registration as an enrolled nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, in accordance with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Ramsay’s Undergraduate Cadetship Program is designed to support enrolled and registered nursing and midwifery students as they complete their studies, giving them on-the-job experience and helping them to choose a nursing pathway.