Rebecca Gatt: A Full-Circle Journey in Nursing and Education
Monday, 12 May 2025
From singing patients to heartfelt inspiration, Rebecca Gatt has seen it all — and it’s her deep love of working with people that makes her a standout educator at Wodonga TAFE. Her journey began right here, as one of our very own nursing students, and has come full circle as she helps shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Rebecca completed her Enrolled Nurse certificate at Wodonga TAFE in 2009 before moving on to a Registered Nurse conversion course at La Trobe University. In 2013, she began a graduate year at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and quickly found her passion in emergency nursing, completing a postgrad certificate in the field in 2015. A tree-change in 2017 brought her back to the border, where she worked in the emergency department at Albury Wodonga Health. By 2021, the demands of shift work and raising a young family prompted her to pivot — but not away from nursing. Instead, she returned to where it all began, this time as an educator.
“I am also now embarking on a passion for great nursing education and have commenced a post graduate certificate in adult vocational education,” she says.
Rebecca says nursing is ultimately about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. “Whether it's providing comfort to a patient in pain, offering support to families during difficult times, or celebrating the small victories in a patient's recovery, nursing allows me to be a part of some of the most significant moments in people's lives.”
Asked for a standout memory, she shares one from her time in Emergency: “We had a patient present with a fractured ulna from falling off his skateboard on his way to the Adele concert. He was really upset about now spending his evening with the company of the nurses and doctors of RMH ED. The procedure required sedation, so we used Ketamine and asked him to choose music to help him feel calm. You can guess what artist the patient selected. So here’s our patient, having his arm relocated, whilst under the influence of Ketamine, and singing Adele’s ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ at the top of his lungs, for the entire department to hear.”
Rebecca’s teaching philosophy is rooted in student empowerment. “I believe that education is the cornerstone of change, and my philosophy is centred around fostering individuals with a person-centred learning approach,” she says. “Each student has individual strengths, and it's my role to nurture these and encourage the student to reach their full potential.”
For those considering healthcare, Rebecca offers honest encouragement. “Healthcare is incredibly rewarding, but it also demands a lot of dedication. It's essential to be passionate about helping others and making a difference, as this passion will drive you through challenging times.”
She credits her inspiration to her granddad. “He told me that even on your worst days in hospital, when a nurse walks into your room with a smile and shows kindness, it can change your whole day around. It was then that I decided I wanted to be that person who made someone smile when in their most vulnerable state.”
Rebecca is proud of what Wodonga TAFE offers in healthcare training. "Wodonga TAFE provides a holistic and supportive educational experience, combining high-quality training with a strong sense of community and industry partner engagement,” she says. “We have caring and passionate educators who are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Our students have access to a range of academic and support services, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.”
Ready to take the next step in your healthcare career? Visit the Nursing course information page on the Wodonga TAFE website to find out more about our upcoming intakes and how you can start your journey in nursing today.
Study Nursing at Wodonga TAFE