For many students, choosing nursing is not just about selecting a course. It is about choosing a future where compassion, confidence and practical skill come together in a meaningful way.
That is exactly what Shelli Bhandari found in her journey with IHNA.
Originally from Nepal, Shelli is currently studying the Diploma of Nursing at IHNA in Heidelberg. She describes herself as excited to begin both her studies and her future career in nursing, and her story reflects the journey of a student who is building confidence step by step in the healthcare field.
Prefer to watch her tell it herself? You can watch Bhandari's full story on YouTube here: Why she chose nursingFor Shelli, nursing felt like one of the best decisions she could make.
She says she chose nursing because it offers a meaningful way to help people build better health knowledge and confidence. That motivation sits at the heart of healthcare: supporting others not only through treatment but also through reassurance, guidance, and care.
Her story speaks to students who want more than just a qualification. It speaks to those who want a career with purpose.
How IHNA helped her move from a non-clinical background into healthcareOne of the most relatable parts of Shelli's testimonial is her honesty about her non-clinical background.
Starting in healthcare without prior clinical experience can feel intimidating. But Shelli says IHNA helped her become more clinically focused and gave her the chance to build hands-on skills through practice. That practical learning helped strengthen her confidence and made nursing feel more real and achievable as a career path.
That matters because many future nursing students are in the same position. They may have the passion, but not the experience yet. Her journey shows that the right learning environment can help bridge that gap.
Building confidence through hands-on learningShelli highlights the importance of practical learning in her nursing journey.
She says the opportunity to practise hands-on skills helped her grow more confident and focused in the clinical side of care. In nursing, that kind of preparation matters. Confidence does not come only from reading or listening. It grows through doing, observing and responding in real situations.
That is why practical training remains such an important part of the Diploma of Nursing experience.
A placement moment that changed everythingOne of the most important turning points in Shelli's journey came during placement.
She recalls caring for a patient with a breathing problem and being able to escalate the concern to her buddy nurse. That moment helped her realise how much she had learned. More importantly, it showed her that she could respond appropriately in a real clinical situation. Her buddy nurse appreciated her action, and that experience gave her even more confidence in the health sector.
That is a powerful moment because it captures what nursing education is really about: not just learning skills in theory, but knowing how to act when a real patient needs support.
Growing into a future nurseShelli's story reflects the shift from student uncertainty to clinical confidence.
She says that through her studies and placement experience, IHNA has helped her gain more confidence and more clinical knowledge. That kind of growth is what many students are hoping for when they begin the Diploma of Nursing — not perfection from day one, but steady development into someone who can step into healthcare with competence and care.
What comes after the Diploma of NursingShelli already has a clear vision for what comes next.
After completing the Diploma of Nursing, she plans to work as an Enrolled Nurse and continue building her knowledge through further study in a Bachelor's program. That pathway shows how the diploma can serve as the foundation for a longer, more ambitious nursing career.
For students thinking beyond the classroom, her story is a strong reminder that the diploma is not the end goal. It can be the beginning of a much bigger future in healthcare.
Her advice to future nursing studentsShelli's message to other students is simple and encouraging.
If nursing is something you feel passionate about, she believes it is worth giving yourself the chance to pursue it. IHNA can help students build the confidence and clinical knowledge they need to enter the health sector and move forward in their nursing careers.
That advice works because it comes from experience. She is not speaking from theory. She is speaking as someone who has already taken the step, done the learning and started seeing the results.
Ready to begin your own nursing journey?Shelli Bhandari's story is a reminder that you do not need a clinical background to build a future in nursing.
With the right support, practical learning, and placement experience, it is possible to develop the confidence and capability the healthcare sector demands.
If you are considering the Diploma of Nursing, IHNA offers a learning environment designed to help students build real clinical skills, gain practical exposure and prepare for the next stage of their nursing journey.
Ready to explore your options?Connect with IHNA to learn more about the Diploma of Nursing and take your first step toward a future in healthcare.
