“Superstar” Ashwyn Seden isn’t one to sit around.
Fresh from a successful Deadly Start Traineeship while studying at Tagai State College, Ashwyn has secured a role as an Assistant in Nursing at Thursday Island Hospital.
“He was an absolute superstar,” Thursday Island Hospital DON Jane Davies said.
“Ashwyn has been assisting with patient flow and was really helpful with aged care clients.
“He was self-directed and had a beautiful nature with the patients; he keeps asking how he can help and picks up on things that need doing.”
Currently enrolled in TAFE and studying to become an Enrolled Nurse, Ashwyn has become something of a local role model to young people on Thursday Island.
“I see people that I've known in the community for a while and they look at me and they're like, oh yeah, we know you're doing nursing, and that’s such a good pathway, you've chosen,” Ashwyn said.
“I have a niece who is about six years old, and she is already pretending to be a nurse.
“I would tell other students if you get the opportunity to do something, like a traineeship, take it. There are lot of doorways that opportunity can lead to.”
He said his pathway to a career in healthcare began with a desire to understand the chronic health conditions that affected his community and family.
Ashwyn’s motivation and example to others earned him an Achievement Award from Torres Shire Council on Australia Day.
“I was walking around the community, and everyone was like, oh ‘I was so proud of you;’ that was a pretty good day,” he said.
Jane said the sky was the limit for Ashwyn, whose bedside manner and rapport with patients has made him an asset for Thursday Island Hospital.
“We have some patients who are suffering from dementia – sometimes having someone who can speak language and yarn with them is all they need,” she said.
“I can see him doing anything—he’ll go on to do RN or doctor or pharmacist; he will do very well,” Jane said.
Find out more about Deadly Start traineeships.