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At 38, Amanda Keldoulis thought she had missed the boat for a career in nursing – and almost decided against heading to university to study the profession.
Three years later, Keldoulis was awarded the University of the Sunshine Coast’s high highest honour for a graduating student.
The mother-of-three from Gympie received the Chancellor’s Medal today at her graduation ceremony last week.
“When I began university three years ago I was questioning if I was too old to be able to learn and contribute to the profession,” Keldoulis said. “Having finished my degree I can see that this was quite ridiculous, and that university is for people of all ages.”
She graduated with a grade point average of 6.8 out of a possible 7, and is now working as a registered nurse at a Gympie medical centre.
The USC award recognises outstanding academic achievements and contribution to other students and the community.
USC lecturer in nursing Samantha Edward said Keldoulis was not only dedicated to performing to a high level, but assisted and motivated others to succeed.
“Amanda took an active interest in research and evidence-based practice in nursing and actively contributed to the curriculum and clinical experience of students,” Edwards said.
Keldoulis was also selected to take part in USC’s first accredited international nursing placement to Java, Indonesia. USC added she was integral in raising funds to purchase clinical equipment to improve health services for remote Javanese villages.
Earlier this year, she was also recognised by the Australian College of Nursing as an Emerging Nurse Leader.
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