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"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
At 42, Ryan never imagined he would swap a career in cabinet making for hospital scrubs.
But after nearly a decade in the same role, a desire for a new challenge led him to enrol in nursing, alongside an unlikely study partner - his daughter.
Now an Enrolled Nurse (EN) through the mid-year intake at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), Ryan said the decision has opened the door to a rewarding new career filled with learning, problem-solving and human connection.
"I didn't want to retire and only ever have done one thing," Ryan said.
The former tradesman, who moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast after the Christchurch earthquakes, spent most of his working life in manufacturing and training roles.
Nursing first entered the conversation through his eldest daughter, who was studying as part of her pathway to a doctorate, before Ryan persuaded his younger daughter to leave school and complete nursing studies with him.
The pair graduated together in December.
While the career change was initially a chance to bond with his daughters, Ryan quickly discovered a passion for healthcare.
"My favourite thing about my previous career was problem solving," he said.
"What I’ve found is the problem solving with people is never-ending, and so is the learning, which has been exciting for me."
Just months into his role at GCUH, Ryan is already seeing how skills from his previous career translate into nursing.
"It's about thinking about multiple approaches and working out clinically what's going to be the best solution for that person," he said.
"Sometimes it's the simple things that make the biggest difference."
Ryan said personal experiences have also strengthened his empathy for patients and families, particularly after his grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while he was completing a placement in a high-acuity ward.
"There is some raw emotion there because I've recently gone through it myself with a family member," he said.
"It's important to understand what patients and their families are going through and empathise with them."
Having completed all his student placements at GCUH, Ryan said the supportive culture made the transition into nursing less daunting.
"On every ward there was always somebody willing to help and answer questions," he said.
"At my age, I'm not afraid to ask questions, and everyone has been so supportive.
“It's just incredible the amount of knowledge some of them have, gained through years of experience. I enjoy picking their brains and learning as much as I can.”
Ryan is already looking ahead to becoming a Registered Nurse and exploring potential opportunities in rural and remote healthcare in future.
"When I started nursing, it was really just a bonding opportunity with my daughters," he said.
"But the more I've learned, the more I've realised the opportunities are endless. It’s both busy and fulfilling work, which is what I love about it.”
Interested in a career in nursing? See opportunities across Queensland Health here https://bit.ly/4go9Sjq
