Kate Grover completed a Bachelor of Nursing in 2000 and has since worked as a Registered Nurse within many clinical areas. With her children being older now, Kate concentrated on her career goals and secured a role within the Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network (JHFMHN).

“I have been working for JHFMHN now for 10 months and have moved from a primary health nursing role to a specialized drug and alcohol role. This would not have been possible without the knowledge gained through the Graduate Certificate in Custodial Health, especially the substance misuse subject,” Kate said.

Even though Kate had been out of study for a few years, she felt the course alignment and being so interested in the profession that taking this step forward was the right move, even if it meant re-learning how to study.

“Having not studied tertiary studies in over two decades I knew a lot had changed and that it would be a steep learning curve. UON supports new students with many resources to assist – including referencing guides, pre-course refresher courses such as teaching about the online learning environment and referencing,” she said.

Custodial Health looks to the care and therapeutic relationships between inmates and clinicians. Kate takes this opportunity as a privilege and sees the change she can make in someone’s life.

“I feel like being a clinician working in this area is such a privilege. We can make a real difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society,” Kate said.

The opportunity to implement what has been learnt in the classroom into her professional role, Kate has recently transitioned into a specialist clinical area within JHFMHN

“Goals of treatment are ever evolving. Learning new models of care, plus the evidence behind them, and being able to implement them has been fantastic,” she said.

Working full time and studying can be a juggle, but the flexibility of study and understanding of her lecturers at the University of Newcastle and her work, allowed Kate the opportunity to succeed in her studies regardless.

“My course has been 100% online. Having the options of dialing in to live lectures or watching them at a more convenient time has allowed me to juggle full-time shift work and my university study.” Kate said.

Kate is set to graduate by the end of the year, having started with the goal to pass, she has exceeded her expectations through staying organised and managing her weekly lessons with the guidance and help of her teachers.

“I commenced the course with the goal (like many other university students) to just pass. I exceeded these goals by achieving all credits and distinctions,” Kate said.

If you, like Kate, are interested in helping those most vulnerable, the Graduate Certificate in Custodial Health could be a great option for your career.

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Kate Grover

Kate returned to study with a passion to help some of the most vulnerable people in society. Read her story to find out more.

I feel like being a clinician working in this area is such a privilege. We can make a real difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society

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