For Sam Chan, a career in nursing was always on the cards.

A history of family members in and out of hospital all had one thing in common – the caring nature of the nurses.
This was ultimately what drew Sam in to the healthcare field.

Sam is currently studying a Diploma of Nursing as part of the ACCENT (ACU College and Cabrini educating nurses together) program, an 18 month course offering an enrolled nursing qualification with practical on-the-job training.

Sam studies at ACU College while completing his clinical placements at Cabrini, and was recently the recipient of an Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian branch) Student Nurse Award for 2019.

The 31-year-old was nominated by ACU College, with a strong recommendation from the Cabrini facilitation team, and was awarded for exhibiting attributes which are intrinsic to nursing practice.

Sam said while the award came as a huge surprise, he was over the moon to receive it.

“It means a lot,” he said.

“There have been a lot of sleepless nights working and studying but in a way it’s just the beginning. I want to continue to build up my career as a nurse, there’s so much more knowledge to gain.”

Sam, who has just commenced his third clinical placement in 4 North, said he applied for nursing because of his passion for caring, but knew he ultimately wanted to work at Cabrini.

“Cabrini is very well recognised and I know people who have worked here or been a patient here, it’s also close to where I live and it’s always had a good reputation.”

He said the highlights of his nursing career to date included being involved with patients, helpful staff and the mentorship.

“My family have been patients in hospital and I’ve seen the care given, it makes a huge difference,” he said.

“Nursing is such a wide field, I do want to do something acute and would like to be a registered nurse.

“I’d also like to thank all the teachers, staff at Cabrini and my family and friends, I’m so grateful for all the support.”

Cabrini’s Undergraduate Program Coordinator Kelly Sherman said she had seen Sam on two clinical placements and he was “brilliant”.

“It’s great to see Sam recognised for his hard work and the way in which he interacts with patients and staff,” Ms Sherman said.

“Sam is amongst other ACCENT students who have a very high standard of work and it’s great to see this translating into dedicated and quality care for our patients.”