First Nations Telegraph

Love for her family and a commitment to care helped Alicia Rivero find her calling in nursing and the Townsville local is already using her career to create meaningful change in the community.

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“I’m a proud Indigenous woman and come from a close-knit family,” Alicia said.

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“Family and connection are really important to me, and they’ve shaped who I am today.”

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Alicia said it was her family that initally motivated her to pursue nursing after her grandmother spent a substantial amount of time in hospital with heart disease.

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“I witnessed firsthand the incredible care and compassion shown to her by the nurses,” she said.

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“Seeing the difference that quality care made in her life inspired me to want to provide that same level of support to others, especially within the Indigenous community.

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“I am passionate about making sure that all patients feel respected, heard, and cared for."

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Alicia admitted her journey to become a Registered Nurse was not easy as she managed a marriage breakdown and becoming a single mother during her studies.

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“I was an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) for five years before becoming an Enrolled Nurse. I’ve always dreamed of being a Registered Nurse and decided it was time to do my Bachelor of Nursing,” she said.

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"There were times I wanted to give up completely. Balancing placement with a 14-week-old baby and exams was a huge struggle.  

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“Despite all of this, I pushed through with determination and for my son, Rocky."

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Alicia acknowledged the assistance she received from her support networks, CQU, and a Townsville Hospital and Health Service Indigenous Student Scholarship during her challenging times.

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The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Indigenous Student Scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students studying a Bachelor of Nursing in the Townsville region.

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"My experience as a CQU student has been both challenging and rewarding.

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“Throughout my studies, I have had the opportunity to develop a wide range of clinical skills and work alongside some truly amazing and knowledgeable Registered Nurses. I’ve been fortunate to gain experience across all different areas of healthcare,” Alicia said.

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"The scholarship helped me afford essential supplies and provided financial support during placements when I couldn’t work.

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“Without it, I would have struggled to continue and may have had to quit. I’m truly grateful for the support that helped me stay on track toward my nursing career."

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Her dedication and persistence proved successful, securing a graduate nursing position at in Townsville’s Mater Private Hospital earlier this year.

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“I started in February and am training to become an anaesthetic nurse. Anaesthetics seems to be the place I’ll have a long-term career in,” Alicia said.

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“I strongly encourage other First Nations people to consider a career in nursing. Our communities need you."

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Applications for mid-year Townsville Hospital and Health Service Indigenous Student Scholarships close 2 June 2025.

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The scholarship provides up to $6,000 in financial support, with the aim to increase progression and completion rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the Bachelor of Nursing and developing a nursing and midwifery workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.