Lara wanted to return to studying after taking time away from work. Deciding to pursue a career in nursing, Lara started a Bachelor of Nursing and fell in love with it. It was an easy decision for her to continue on to postgraduate studies and follow her interest in custodial health.

“I really enjoy nursing and wanted to specialise in primary health within the custodial setting. Postgraduate education strengthened the foundation of my nursing knowledge and practices, providing a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare requirements for patients in custody,” she said.

Working within the custodial environment prior to postgraduate study, Lara had exposure to the type of work this would involve, and the knowledge needed to help patients in custody.

“There are many aspects within the custodial setting and various backgrounds of custodial patients ranging from substance use, mental health conditions, chronic health conditions and population health care requirements. All of these and more are addressed within this program,” she said.

Discovering the Master of Custodial Health offered a range of content that wasn’t available anywhere else. Lara has implemented her degree into her career and obtained a newly created position in Cessnock Correctional Centre as the Chronic Care Nurse.

“For patients within the custodial setting there is often a multidimensional health approach to providing care. I have been able to implement and coordinate care that has resulted in positive health interactions and outcomes,” she said.

While considering the combination of healthcare teams within the custodial setting, Lara integrated this knowledge into her role of planning healthcare strategies for those in custody.

“This degree has a focus on the psychosocial aspects of healthcare as well as the roles of allied health care teams. I can apply this knowledge when planning and implementing patient care,” she said.

The flexibility of her program allowed Lara to have a strong work and life balance. Not needing to sacrifice her career development while keeping up with her family gave Lara more confidence to study.

“Studying online is extremely beneficial as it provides access to further education in a way that can be incorporated into my life. I have a busy family life and a career that I enjoy, and by learning online I can continue with this lifestyle without having barriers to my professional development,” she said.

Lara encourages anyone interested in a career change or wanting to return to study after having a break to apply.

“There is a lot of flexibility with a number of degrees delivered online,” she said.

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Lara Marshall

Lara returned to study and fell in love with nursing. Finding a passion for improving the health of patients in custody, Lara enrolled in the Master of Custodial Health. The flexibility and multitude of health approaches covered in the program helped her to succeed in the industry.

There are many aspects within the custodial setting and various backgrounds of custodial patients ranging from substance use, mental health conditions, chronic health conditions and population heath care requirements. All of these and more are addressed within this program.

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