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The 25-year-old scrub scout nurse said her mother – who is also a nurse – inspired her to follow the same path and that CQU’s training helped her take the first steps. 

“Growing up, my mum was a single mother, and I saw firsthand how hard she worked to care for both her patients and our family,” Ebony-Rose said. 

“Her strength, compassion, and dedication inspired me from a young age and watching her balance such an important career while raising me on her own showed me the impact nurses can have, not only in hospitals but in the lives of the people they love. She became my role model and the reason I want to follow the same path of caring for others.” 

Ebony-Rose completed her Diploma in November 2024 and excelled. After undertaking her last placement at Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital, she was encouraged to join its Scrub Scout Graduate Program, which she successfully completed last year. 

“My CQU training helped me build clinical knowledge, confidence, and skills to work effectively in the operating theatre while ensuring patient safety and quality care,” she said. 

“I gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience. My CQU teachers were compassionate and caring, which created a supportive learning environment. Along with learning patient care, communication skills, and working safely within a healthcare team, helped build my confidence and practical skills. 

“What I love most about being a scrub scout nurse is being part of the surgical team and knowing that my work directly supports patient care. I enjoy the fast-paced environment, the precision required, and the teamwork that ensures each procedure runs safely and smoothly.” 

She is now furthering her studies at CQU, starting the Bachelor of Nursing in July 2026, to build on her skills and grow in her nursing career. 

Ebony-Rose will share her inspiring journey as a speaker at the upcoming 2026 International Nurses Day function at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on 15 May.  

“I feel incredibly honoured to be speaking at the 2026 international Nurses Day Function, being able to share my journey and inspiration for being a nurse,” she said, adding that she also hopes to inspire the nurses of the future.  

“The Diploma of Nursing at CQU is a great choice because it gives you real hands-on experience and solid theory, so you feel ready to work in healthcare. The teachers are supportive and caring, and the course helped me gain the skills and confidence to start my nursing career,” she said.