A nursing student from University of the Sunshine Coast is taking her first steps into the healthcare workforce, bringing both passion and purpose to her cadetship at the Hervey Bay Hospital.
Kiarah Dutoit, a second-year Bachelor of Nursing student, has joined the hospital’s clinical team through a First Nations Cadetship program designed to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in healthcare.
A proud Yonta Yonta woman with strong cultural ties to Albury in New South Wales, Kiarah says the opportunity has already made a lasting impact.
Working alongside clinicians, she is gaining valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of what her future career will involve, which is something she describes as both rewarding and inspiring.
The cadetship program not only supports Kiarah’s professional development but also plays an important role in building a more culturally diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.
Kiarah said she is grateful for the opportunity and excited to continue learning as she works toward her goal of becoming a registered nurse.
“This cadetship is important to me because I’m able to pick up new skills and work with patients and staff while learning and understanding the role,” she said.
“I’m currently working as an Assistant in Nursing in Medical Ward 3 and I’m enjoying helping patients.
“Seeing them come in unwell and then become well enough for discharge is satisfying.
“It’s good to know you’ve made a difference during their recovery.”
Kiarah has discovered that her uniform isn’t just workwear but is a conversation starter. It’s a strong bridge between her role and her identity, turning everyday moments into opportunities to connect while caring for patients.
She said it opens the door for conversation about the First Nations cadetship, while also sharing her own story by mentioning her family and culture.
First Nations Training Pathways Coordinator Cass Kellaway said the First Nations Cadetship program recognises the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Maintaining connections with Indigenous community groups and organisations that deliver services to First Nations peoples helps strengthen pathways into healthcare careers,” she said.
“It supports culturally safe engagement and creates opportunities for current and future cadets.
“We try and introduce our cadets to as many people on the wards as possible to build those connections.
“Our local indigenous groups like to know who’s talking to them and their families when they’re in hospital because often they’re coming back multiple times.
“We’ve built a lovely nurturing relationship with mothers, and I think that’s one of the best ways to introduce our cadets.”
Medical Ward 3 Nurse Unit Manager Rhys Adams said having the First Nations Cadetship placements at Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service was a great opportunity for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
“It’s been great to see Kiara become more comfortable and pick up nursing skills as she transitions through her cadetship,” he said.
“We’re really excited to have her around and watch her continue to grow.”
The First Nations Cadetship program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying their first full-time undergraduate degree. It’s a paid employment position up to 12 months and offers skills development and mentoring along with a strong pathway into graduate roles.
More information about the First Nations Cadetship program can be found on the Queensland Health website.