Nickita Wylie’s graduation from Griffith University as a registered nurse in 2011, was the culmination years of dedication and persistence, as well as a drive to ‘give back’.
“It took me seven years to get my nursing degree, studying part-time and working to support my young family,” Nikita explains.
The time and effort were worth it, Nickita says, and the years were made easier by her support from the GUMURRII Unit and her family.
After graduation, Nickita’s work commenced in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care.
She now continues to works part-time as a Senior Registered Nurse and part-time for Griffith University’s First Peoples Health Unit as an Associate Lecturer in First Peoples Health and Practice.
“It was a privilege to attend university and even though there was much self-doubt at the beginning I knew I had to stay focused to achieve my dream. My grandmother, mother and family gave me determination to strive for my passion,” Nickita adds.
“As an Associate Lecturer, I’m really grateful for the opportunity to work with non-Indigenous students, teach them more about our culture and enable them to have the capability to provide the best care possible for my people.”
The Griffith University First Peoples Health and Practice course prepares graduates across health professions to provide culturally safe health services to Australia’s First Peoples. The course takes a holistic perspective to engage students in exploring the historical, socio-cultural, political and dominant cultural paradigms that influence First Peoples’ health today.”