IT WASN’T that long ago that Barry Paulson or “Bluey” as he is affectionately known was employed as a bricklayer struggling to find his next job.
With job insecurity and a family to support, Bluey decided it was time to change his career path.
Now 12 years down the track and after completing his Diploma of Nursing, Bluey has just taken out North Coast TAFE’s major Award of Excellence, Student of the Year for Kingscliff and Murwillumbah Campuses.
Bluey entered into a career in nursing initially by applying for a traineeship with Blue Care Kingscliff, Aged Care Facility.
Bernadette Lee from Blue Care says “Barry’s working background was quite different to patient care, however after interviewing him we were confident in offering him a traineeship.”
As part of the traineeship, Bluey was required to complete his Certificate III in Aged Care at Kingscliff TAFE. He quickly gained confidence in his workplace and with the will to learn and dedication to his studies, Bluey completed his traineeship earlier than expected and was offered a full-time position.
In 2012 with the support of his employer, Bluey returned to TAFE, enrolling in a Diploma of Nursing, to further develop his knowledge and expertise in providing a high level of nursing care.
“I really enjoyed the hands-on experience we received at TAFE, which was delivered by very professional teachers working in the field,” he said.
“This made it an easy transition from the classroom to our work placements at local hospitals.”
Bluey loves the diversity that a career in nursing provides and is honoured to be a part of a system that is streamlined to provide the appropriate care for each individual that presents themselves.
Teacher of Nursing, Liz Murphy says: “Barry has not only achieved great personal satisfaction as a result of his learning and working within the local nursing area but has also received high praise for his clinical skills from senior nurses.”
It was no surprise that Bluey was nominated and won four awards at the Awards of Excellence for the Kingscliff and Murwillumbah Campuses; Nursing Section Winner, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Community Services and Health Faculty Winner and the major award of Student of the Year for Kingscliff and Murwillumbah Campus.
“I couldn’t believe it when I won, I did a little happy dance,” he said.
“It is awe inspiring to be a part of this process, though I am only one of the many students at TAFE that are striving to achieve their dreams.”
His advice to others: “Do what you love doing”.
It is obvious that Barry “Bluey” Paulson is well on his way to achieving his dreams; and the sky’s the limit for this infectiously caring and kind-hearted human being.
