Meet some of our nursing alumni

Crystal Tudo is a Clinical Nurse working in the Emergency Department at SA Health.

In 2022 Crystal joined Adelaide Nursing School Alumni Network (ANSAN) as social media coordinator, a natural progression after being President of Adelaide Nursing Students’ Society (ANSS) from 2011-2013.

Crystal Tudo graduated from the University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Nursing and a Graduate Diploma in Nursing Sciences (Emergency), Teaching Hospitals 2019.

Now working in the Emergency Department at the Lyell McEwin Hospital Emergency Department, since 2022, Crystal has expanded her skillset taking on board a role as Clinical Lecturer at Adelaide Nursing School.

With time set aside to pursue her keen interest in volunteering overseas and in rural locations, highlights so far would be volunteering in Nepal for CWON Australia in 2013 as well as Kangaroo Island bushfire relief in 2020.

Tell us what you’ve been up to since graduating from the University

Since graduating from the University in 2013, I made my way through a graduate program at NALHN which ended with a job at Lyell McEwin Hospital Emergency Department. I have been working in the ED since then, and have made myself comfortable taking on all roles within the department. Of recent (mid 2022), I started teaching at the University as a Clinical Lecturer for the Nursing School, which has been a great experience so far. Besides working, I have found interest in volunteering overseas and rurally.

Can you share a little about your University of Adelaide journey ie highlights and fondest memories of studying at the University of Adelaide?

A highlight of studying at the University for me was definitely how many nooks there were around the University to get deep into study and working on assignments. I also enjoyed the freedom of student life and learning how to organize myself and my time.

My favourite courses were pharmacology, pathophysiology, and any case-based learning because it just made sense to me. 

My favourite academics, in no particular order, were Frank Donnelly, David Foley, Iain Everett and Julia Spiti. I really enjoyed their teaching styles as a student and also found them to be knowledgeable and inspiring as nurses.

When and how did you know you wanted to study your chosen degree?

I always had an interest in the medical field and initially started studying a Health Sciences degree as I didn’t know what profession I wanted to be. I then had a few people tell me that I would be well suited to being a nurse; that it was a profession that will always be in demand, and I just went with that.

Tell us about your career highlights to date

Being Founding president of the Adelaide Nursing Students’ Society (ANSS) since 2011 – 2013.

Being successful securing a permanent role at the Lyell McEwin Hospital ED since 2015. Returning to University to complete the Graduate Diploma of Emergency Nursing in 2019 juggling work and study.

In 2022 being appointed Associate Lecturer Adelaide Nursing School University.

Can you share some of your most memorable experiences throughout your studies and/or career?

Working through COVID-19 was a memorable time. It was strange going to work as normal while lockdown was happening and everyone was at home. For me, it was daunting being in the presence of COVID-19 and caring for patients with it – you just hoped you didn’t get it because you don’t want to bring it home to your family… and we were so understaffed from those that had caught it. The love and appreciation we received from the community at the time was nice though, I felt like I was valued.

As for working in the ED in general, one can imagine all the things I’ve seen through the years. I consider myself pretty lucky to be able to care for people in such vulnerable moments of their lives.

Where do you hope to see yourself in five or 10 years?

I hope to excel further as a Clinical Nurse within the ED and work toward supporting staff through all roles within the department. I also want to work on my academic side and possibly go on to do more teaching and research within the Nursing School.

Do you have any advice to current students? To make the most of the opportunities provided to you by the University, and to enjoy being a student!

Join and attend committee events that interest you.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“Never give up. You will achieve great things in life.” – I found this in a fortune cookie when I was a student and it’s stuck with me since.

How would you like to remain connected?

Continue being a member of the ANSAN as well as University Alumni.

For more details read more on our Adelaide Nursing School’s Alumni Network (ANSAN) website.

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