CHARLES Sturt University paramedic student Hannah Stack is tipped to make a significant impact on her future profession after winning a major award.
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Hannah won the John Overton Award from peak professional body, the Australian and New Zealand College of Paramedicine.
“Even when I got nominated, I was surprised,” she said.
“It’s such a prestigious award, I couldn’t believe it.”
The award is presented to an undergraduate student who has shown leadership and research in their studies.
Hannah’s achievements include roles as president of the university's paramedicine student association, student fundraising, volunteer work including at the Ironman, peer tutoring for first and second year students and attending professional conferences.
“It’s such a beneficial experience,” she said about being a volunteer during the Ironman events.
“You get to work with other health teams and you get hands-on experience – I loved it.”
Hannah became interested in research after attending an international conference in Adelaide.
That led to a research project with Hannah and Siobhan Graham about the professional identity of paramedic students.
They surveyed first year students in their first week at university and again later.
“We discovered wearing a uniform, volunteering and doing practical subjects and community volunteer work influenced paramedic students to have that identity,” Hannah said.
CSU lecturer in paramedicine Tania Johnston nominated Hannah for the John Overton Award.
"Hannah is the entire package of a well-rounded student," Ms Johnston said.
"She will no doubt ultimately have a significant impact on the profession in the years to come."
Ms Johnston said: “Hannah has also actively engaged in research beyond what is normally expected of an undergraduate student.
“She initiated and led a study on the professional identity of a paramedic student."
Hannah said her lecturers’ support was astounding and they had all inspired her and created amazing learning and research opportunities.
The student from the Central Coast is studying at the Port Macquarie CSU Campus.
“It’s probably the best decision of my life to move here,” Hannah said about Port Macquarie.
Hannah is considering future employment opportunities in Australia and the United Kingdom where she undertook an international work placement.
“I’m really excited to get out there and use the skills and knowledge I’ve learnt at uni and apply that in the field,” she said.