Dapto nurse Kelli Costello is in the US as part of a study exchange program to improve her skills in the profession.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But when the Mercury spoke on the phone to the single mother of two on Wednesday morning, she was exploring well-known American store Walmart.
“You’ve caught me at Walmart,” Ms Costello said.
“I’ve actually got a bit of downtime but we’ve already seen one of the nursing campus’ in Racine [Wisconsin] and it’s unbelievable.”
Ms Costello, who is well on the way to completing her third TAFE NSW qualification in nursing, is one of 10 students selected to take part in an exchange program to the USA.
The Diploma of Nursing student at Shellharbour TAFE said she was thrilled to be offered one of the five nursing placements on the TAFE NSW’s USA Outbound Mobility Program.
Ms Costello, who is undertaking her work placement at Ramsay Health Care’s Wollongong Private Hospital, and the other students are spending two weeks at Gateway Technical College.
The college in Wisconsin delivers education in over 60 program areas, as part of a three-year international study exchange partnership with TAFE NSW.
I was super-excited when I found out I had been selected.
- Kelli Costello
“I was super-excited when I found out I had been selected,” Ms Costello said.
“The Australian and American health care systems are very different. I’m excited to see their equipment and techniques, as well as get a first-hand understanding of how nurses approach learning over there.
“I’ll bring back what I learn and share it with my colleagues at Ramsay Health Care and my fellow students at TAFE NSW.
“I know that in the United States it is all about customer first, which aligns with Ramsay’s approach to care here in Australia.”
Despite having a hectic schedule, Ms Costello is making the most of her passion for nursing and learning.
She has completed a Certificate III in Individual Support - Aged Care, then gained her Certificate IV in Nursing before starting her Diploma of Nursing; which made her eligible to apply for the opportunity to be part of the exchange.
“My practical work placement with Ramsay Health is fantastic.”
TAFE NSW nursing and health team leader Andrea Purnell said Ms Costello was chosen for the exchange program on her merits.
“She went through a competitive selection process and we are very proud of Kelli and what she has achieved.”
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
