KIDS hate needles – that’s a given.

As a child, Claudia Turner hated them more than most, so it was surprising for parents Mark and Ann when their daughter announced she wanted to apply for a school-based nursing traineeship at Moree District Hospital.

That was in 2017, when Claudia was a Year 11 student at Moree Secondary College.

She was 16 at the time, and unsure about which career path to take when schooling was completed.

“Nursing was always something I was interested in, but I wasn’t completely certain at first. It’s ironic that I chose a career that involves needles – I hated them as a kid,” Claudia laughed.

“I completed a work experience day at Fairview Nursing Home – now Whiddon – and really enjoyed helping people. This experience helped confirm my interest in nursing.”

Claudia first learned about school-based traineeship opportunities during a Year 10 careers’ day at Moree Secondary College.

“I spoke with our school careers’ adviser at the time, Sheree Cayirylys, who provided guidance with the application process,” Claudia said.

“With Sheree’s help, I applied for the position, and mum and I travelled to Narrabri to attend the interview.”

Moree’s Claudia Turner has been appointed to the New Graduate Program in the Emergency Department at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane after undergoing a school-based traineeship in nursing when a student at Moree Secondary College (Image Supplied).

Claudia began her traineeship in March, 2017.

“As part of the program, I was required to travel to Gunnedah every five weeks to complete the practical school components of the course – thanks mum, for driving me,” Claudia smiled.

Fast-forward to 2026, and Claudia has been appointed to the New Graduate Program in the Emergency Department at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

Claudia’s journey began at Moree Secondary College when she was selected for a school-based traineeship for a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at Moree District Hospital with the Acute Inpatient Unit.

“During this traineeship, I had the privilege of working with many amazing nurses, including Helen McNamara, who took me under her wing from my first day and was an incredible mentor throughout my two years as a trainee,” Claudia said.

Claudia’s school-based traineeship was completed in 2019 with a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

She worked as an Assistant in Nursing at Moree as well as in community health, where she provided in-home care.

Claudia continued her studies and trained for a Diploma of Nursing in 2019.

“During this time, I had the opportunity to work across a variety of clinical settings, including the Acute Inpatient Unit, Community Health with the Transitional Aged Care Program and COVID-19 Testing Clinic,” Claudia said.

Claudia completed her Diploma of Nursing in December, 2020 and worked in the Acute Inpatient Unit for two years.

In December 2022, she started at Moree District Hospital Emergency Department.

“I love the fast-paced environments and developed a strong passion for emergency nursing during this time,” she said.

After three years, Claudia completed her Bachelor of Nursing in 2025.

“During that time, I maintained my role in the Emergency Department, where I continued to strengthen and expand my clinical nursing skills,” she said.

“I was fortunate to work alongside and learn from many exceptional nurses, including Helen McNamara, Anne Burey, Bronwyn Cosh, Camilla Cutcliffe, Mitch Copeman, Marianne Ledingham and Nadia Hulsbos.

“Their guidance and mentorship were invaluable, and without their ongoing guidance and support I would not be the nurse I am today,” she said.

Claudia, now 24, started 2026 in the two-year program at Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Emergency Department.

The program offers a supportive, well-structured transition into practice, including guidance from dedicated preceptors, educators and clinical facilitators, as well as simulation training focused on high-acuity care, evidence-based practice and professional development.

“In the second year, I will have the opportunity to work within the resuscitation team, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary group to care for critically ill or injured patients and deliver advanced, life-saving care,” Claudia said.

After eight years of intense training, thanks to school-based initiatives in Moree, Claudia knows she made the right choice. It’s been a hard, tough slog, but well worth it, she says.

“I chose nursing because I wanted a career that was both challenging and meaningful, where I could genuinely make a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

“I had an early interest in nursing during high school, but it became clear to me during my school-based traineeship and early clinical experiences at Moree District Hospital.

“Being involved in patient care and seeing the impact nurses have on people’s lives really confirmed that this was the path I wanted to take.

“Over time, I discovered I thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments, which led me to develop a real passion for emergency nursing.

“What stood out the most was the chance to provide high-quality, compassionate care for people during some of the most critical and vulnerable moments of their lives.

“Being able to support patients and their families in those situations, while working alongside such a skilled and supportive team, really solidified nursing – especially emergency nursing – was the career for me,” Claudia said.

Claudia’s future is now an open book, with many more chapters waiting to be written. Even returning to Moree is a possibility.

“At this stage, I’m focused on becoming the best version of myself, both professionally and personally,” Claudia said.

“I’m eager to fully immerse myself in my work and embrace life in Brisbane over the next two years. “While Moree will always be home to me, I’m currently open-minded and uncertain about what the future may hold.

“Nursing is incredibly rewarding, particularly in the Emergency Department,” Claudia said.

“Being able to care for patients on what is often the worst day of their lives is both a privilege and a responsibility.

“Knowing you’ve helped ease someone’s fear, pain or uncertainty is deeply fulfilling. While the role can be challenging and emotionally demanding, the ability to positively impact patients and their families during vulnerable moments is what makes nursing so rewarding,” she said.

Words: Bill Poulos