Oliver Dupen walked straight from Griffith University into his dream job after graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing. The walk was short, from Griffith’s Gold Coast campus across the road to the Gold Coast University Hospital’s cardiology ward.
His first experience in the ward came during second-year placement. Oliver decided he wanted to return to work there full-time, but he knew that it would be a competitive selection process and he would need to work hard to secure a graduate position.
Oliver credits Griffith University for providing him a pathway to attain his dream job. “My experience at Griffith was great: they prepared me well. Six months down the track and I’m working in my dream job. Griffith facilitated a massive part of that, which shows the calibre of the University.”
“It says a lot about Griffith that a student can get that kind of outcome.”
Oliver was an outstanding student. He was a member of Griffith Honours College, a school for high-achieving students, and took a role as a Griffith Student Ambassador. His tutors were aware of his aim to work in cardiology, and they worked with him to get there.
“It’s part of my nature — I want to excel at things,” Oliver said. “I completed the placement and did what I could to get back to the cardiology ward upon my graduation. I knew where I intended to go, and Griffith gave me the opportunity to get there. It says a lot about Griffith that a student can get that kind of outcome.”
He is rapt with his new job. “I’m loving it; it’s fantastic,” Oliver said. “It’s a full-on environment. You can be thrown curve balls even on a good day. You’re always making sure the patients are getting the care they need and are avoiding adverse events.”
“I knew where I intended to go, and Griffith gave me the opportunity to get there.”
Oliver is still associated with Griffith University as a teacher. “I remember where I was at as a first-year, and it’s great to feed into the next generation. It helps me solidify my knowledge, as well. The students are eager and ready to learn. I talk a lot about my experience and they get excited. It’s cool to see them gain knowledge.”