Matt Mayfair is currently in his first nursing job at the age of 40, but he said it's never too late to start.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"I always wanted to be a nurse from the time I was three, but I'm really glad I waited until I was older," he said.
"It's a tough job, and having all that extra life experience really helps."
Mr Mayfair, who graduated from the University of Canberra, started working at The Canberra Hospital as a registered nurse in the neurosurgical ward in April as part of ACT Health's transition to practice program.
The registered nurse is one of more than 100 graduates who are taking part in the program as part of the 2018 intake, with applications for the 2019 intake set to close this week.
As part of the program, graduates get hands-on experience in two six-month rotations across different areas in the hospital.
Mr Mayfair said after being involved in running a small business for 10 years, he was keen to pursue his passion for nursing and is keen to be involved in the surgical side of the hospital.
"My first rotation is working with patients who have been in car and motorbike accidents and those that have brain and spinal injuries," he said.
"The second one will be in the extended day surgery unit."
Madeleine Casey, 21, is among the graduates in this year's program, also working at Canberra Hospital, in the ophthalmology unit.
She said the program has allowed her to expand her skills from the classroom.
"At the start I was nervous and a little bit terrified, but now after a few months I'm beyond comfortable," she said.
"I've been really liking it so far. If it wasn't for the program, I wouldn't have gone for the registered nurse jobs at the hospital."
Program coordinator Deborah Moore said the transition to practice program has been going from strength to strength since it first started in the 1990s.
This year will see more than 100 graduates take part in four lots of intakes in February, April, May and August.
"We just look for people who are enthusiastic about nursing and those with a positive attitude and are willing to learn," she said.
"Those wanting to register for the 2019 intake have by Thursday to apply and they have meet other requirements such as being a registered nurse and be ready to start by next year."
Mr Mayfair while there are many of new graduates coming in to the ACT health system, each has something different to offer.
"We all come from a really broad spectrum and we all bring something different to the program," he said.
