Award winning start

When Lauren Burden stepped onto the floor of Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital as a newly registered nurse earlier this year, she knew she was about to face one of the most challenging and transformative chapters of her life.

What she didn’t expect was to be recognised so soon for the impact she was already making.

The ACU nursing graduate was recently honoured with the prestigious “Transition to Practice” award at the Prince of Wales Hospital 2025 International Nurses Day Ball. 

The award celebrates early-career nurses who demonstrate excellence, resilience and commitment during their first year on the job – a time often marked by steep learning curves and emotional demands.

“Winning the Transition to Practice title was incredibly meaningful to me,” Lauren said.

“It not only honours my personal efforts but also shines a light on the dedication of all new nurses striving to make a real difference from the very beginning of their careers.”

A calling to care

Lauren’s journey into nursing began with a calling to care. Drawn to the profession by a deep desire to help others, she chose to study at ACU because of its values-driven approach to healthcare education.

“Nursing is more than just a profession – it’s a way to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments,” she said. 

“My time at ACU helped shape my skills, values and commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care.”

Her university years were not only a time of academic and clinical development, but also of community building and leadership. 

Lauren threw herself into student life, serving in the Student Association and founding ACU Blacktown’s Nursing Society, where she served as president.

“These roles allowed me to advocate for my peers and create a sense of community,” she said. 

“I made lifelong friends and connections, and the placement opportunities were a major highlight. They gave me hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings and helped shape my confidence as a nurse.”

Finding her passion

Now based at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, Lauren began her professional career in the Endoscopy Unit before moving into the Emergency Department, where she has found her true calling.

“The fast-paced, dynamic environment of the ED challenged me in the best way,” she said. 

“I’m now working full-time in emergency and I’m grateful to be part of a team that delivers critical care with skill, compassion and resilience.”

The burden of nursing

The transition from student to registered nurse, however, hasn’t been without its challenges.

“Starting my career came with incredible rewards, but also real challenges. Adapting to the demands of shift work, managing fatigue, and finding a balance between my professional and personal life pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected,” she said.

Lauren was candid about the emotional toll that can accompany nursing in its early stages, particularly when navigating burnout.

“Burnout is a very real part of the early experience, especially when you're learning to care for others while still figuring out how to care for yourself,” she said.

“What I’ve come to learn is that you truly discover the kind of nurse – and the kind of person –you are once you're on the floor.

“No classroom can fully prepare you for the emotional, mental and physical demands of real-world nursing. It’s through those long shifts, the unexpected moments and the everyday teamwork that you grow.”

The next steps

With her first year as a registered nurse nearly behind her, Lauren is already looking ahead. 

Her goal is to continue working in the hospital’s Emergency Department, with aspirations to step into leadership, mentoring or education-focused roles.

“I’m passionate about supporting new nurses through their transition into practice, just as others have supported me,” she said. 

“I hope to pursue further study to strengthen my clinical knowledge and leadership skills and aspire to step into a position such as Nursing Unit Manager or a dedicated mentoring or education-focused role, where I can help shape and guide the next generation of emergency nurses while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care.”

Advice for others

For students considering nursing – and especially those wondering what it’s really like – Lauren is a shining example of what’s possible with passion, perseverance and the right support.

“I had some of the most rewarding and formative experiences of my journey so far (while studying at ACU),” she said.

“Alongside the academics and practical learning, the social life on campus was vibrant and supportive, making my time at university both meaningful and memorable.”

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