The nursing experience and values gained in Fiji have provided a strong foundation for Fiji-trained nurse Vedika Roy as she continues working towards becoming a registered nurse in Australia.
Roy says although moving to a new country and adjusting to a different healthcare system brought moments of doubt, she reminded herself that she was not starting from zero.
She says she carried with her the knowledge, experience and values gained through years of studying and working as a nurse in Fiji.
Roy began her nursing journey at the Fiji School of Nursing under Fiji National University in 2013 and graduated in 2016.
After completing a one-year internship at CWM Hospital, she pursued paediatric nursing and later worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
She says caring for newborn babies and supporting their families was one of the most meaningful parts of her nursing career in Fiji, teaching her compassion, patience and resilience.
Roy later moved to Australia for personal and professional reasons, where she had to adjust to a different healthcare system and approach to nursing practice.
She says there were challenging moments when she questioned herself, but she remained determined and continued working towards her goals, one step at a time.
After moving to Australia, Roy completed an Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management in Nursing before pursuing a Master of Nursing at the Institute of Health and Management.
She says her studies have helped strengthen her confidence and understanding of nursing practice in Australia, while also developing her interest in nursing research and evidence-based practice.
Roy says the experience and values she gained while working in Fiji continue to guide her as she works towards becoming a registered nurse in Australia.
She says moving overseas was not the end of her nursing journey, but the beginning of a new chapter built on the foundation of her training and experience in Fiji.
Roy is encouraging other internationally qualified nurses and nursing students to believe in themselves, take one step at a time and avoid comparing their journeys with those of others.
