WEST KEMPSEY's Amy Thompson had dreamed of becoming a nurse since the tender age of five, and through hard work and perseverance, the proud Dunghutti woman has made her dream a reality.
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Inspired by years of caring for her ill parents, the mother of two has become a trailblazer as one of the first Aboriginal midwives at Kempsey District Hospital.
"Knowing and understanding Aboriginal birthing women and providing a culturally-safe space for families during their birthing experience is so valuable," Amy said.
"I find that I can help non-Aboriginal staff to communicate effectively with Aboriginal women and families, and that caring for non-Aboriginal women can provide a wonderful cultural learning experience for them too."
Amy pursued her passion for nursing after leaving school in Year 10, securing a school-based traineeship as an AIN (Assistant in Nursing) at Booroongen Djugun Aboriginal Services and Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service in Kempsey.
Her quest to become an EN (Enrolled Nurse), took her to Coffs harbour, but six months into her training, tragedy struck.
Amy's mother, Heather, passed away, and Amy transferred back to Kempsey so she could be closer to family and still complete her training.
It was difficult working shift work while also studying online and looking after my two boys, I was very lucky to have many great supporters around me.
- Amy Thompson
Kempsey District Hospital was where Amy would discover a passion for midwifery, which inspired her to undertake more study to become an RN (Registered Nurse).
Under the Aboriginal Nurse Cadetship program, Amy completed her degree through the University of Newcastle.
After working in the new graduate RN program at Kempsey for 12 months, Amy applied for the postgraduate midwifery program through Charles Sturt University.
"It was difficult working shift work while also studying online and looking after my two boys, I was very lucky to have many great supporters around me," Amy said.
"Part of my motivation for pursuing my nursing dream was to to be a positive role model for my children, and to provide more opportunities for their future."
To date, Amy has delivered more than thirty babies into the world.
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