This mother of four boys (one of whom commenced studying computer science at CSU Bathurst this year) lives on a large cropping property 40 kilometres from the small town of Meandarra in the western Darling Downs of Queensland.

“I feel a great sense of achievement,” Ms Beattie said. “I have gained valuable experience and feel well prepared to continue my nursing career.

“The CSU nursing course has been a fantastic experience. Distance education really is the only option for rural nurses to continue their education and attain a tertiary degree.

“It takes hard work, determination, and a very patient family, but anyone can achieve great things, even when the uni is hundreds or thousands of kilometres away.”

Ms Beattie said the CSU staff has been very supportive and are always willing to assist with any query or problem by phone, email or forum-posting.

“My fellow students have also been a fantastic support and I would definitely recommend the CSU nursing course to anyone wishing to commence or continue their education in nursing,” she said.

Ms Beattie is continuing her studies and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) Honours degree.

Her specialisation is research in the field of gerontology, and she is also very interested in rural health and the issues facing people living in isolated locations.