When Vivien Biggs completed her university nursing training in Sydney almost 20 years ago, she vowed never to return to uni.
"University was very different then and lots of subjects didn't seem relevant," she said.
But a passion for the care of neurosurgery patients led her to change her mind.
This week Vivien graduated with a Masters in Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner) from Queensland University of Technology.
"I spent the last 20 years at the bedside working in neurosurgery as a clinical nurse specialist," she explained.
She worked in this role in public and private hospitals, caring for neurosurgery patients - many with brain tumours - until a Queensland Cancer Council support meeting triggered her desire to go back to university to become a nurse practitioner.
"I realised that for patients in this area there were lots of gaps in the service," she said.
Vivien said nurse practitioners worked collaboratively with other health professionals to help fill gaps by coordinating services.
"Patients often go from surgery to oncology and don't understand the full implications of their diagnosis and the goals of their treatment," she said.
"Their symptoms can be managed poorly because each specialist is only looking after one aspect of the patient.
"I'm right there at the very beginning when they are diagnosed and I follow them right throughout this journey.
"In most cases we are dealing with patients with life-limiting illnesses so it's really crucial we provide that support and education."
To qualify for this role, Vivien enrolled part-time in 2008 in a QUT masters degree, encouraged by her employer, BrizBrain and Spine, a group of private neurosurgeons who supported her financially, with time off and with mentoring.
"The QUT course was a delight," she said. "The lecturers not only help you in the classroom but in your workplace.
"My attitude has changed 360 degrees. Never say 'never go back to university' because it's been really worthwhile."
For more information, visit: www.hlth.qut.edu.au/nrs/study/careers or contact the School of Nursing on 07 3138 3824 or by emailing nursing.enquiries@qut.com
Media contact: Elizabeth Allen, QUT media officer on 07 3138 4494 or e1.allen@qut.edu.au
* A high res photo of Vivien in academic dress is available
