In 2016, Freya received an Arrow scholarship to support her studies in the Graduate Certificate of Cancer Nursing. At the time, she couldn’t have imagined just how far that opportunity would take her. With a genuine passion for people and an eagerness to learn, Freya’s career has since flourished. She has gone from scholarship to specialist, and has become an inspiration to those around her in the field of haematology nursing.  

Following her initial studies, Freya went on to complete a Master of Cancer Nursing through the University of Sydney. Her commitment and expertise led her to become the Clinical Nurse Educator at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA), where she didn’t just grow professionally — she brought her team along with her. Encouraging her colleagues to invest in their own development, Freya’s influence helped several team members pursue their own Master’s qualifications. 

Today, Freya holds the position of Acute Leukaemia and Myeloid Malignancies Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) — a role she finds both interesting and challenging. Never one to rest on her laurels, Freya is currently completing a Master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. Her research is focused on the impact of having a dedicated Leukaemia CNC within a hospital unit, specifically examining the reduction in the length and frequency of hospital admissions for patients under her care. 

At the heart of Freya’s work is her love for people. When asked what she values most about being a nurse, she responds without hesitation:

“Honestly, it’s the patients and the families. I love getting to know people. I build trust with my patients and get to know them really well. I ask them about their interests and their favourite football team. I get to know them as more than just their diagnosis. I love hearing people’s stories and find it interesting meeting people from all walks of life, and all sorts of characters. I really, really like people”. 

Freya also loves that she is able to form long-lasting relationships with her patients. This is what attracted Freya to cancer nursing in the first place, and is an element of her work she finds fulfilling.  

Freya offers this advice for nurses thinking about specialising in haematology:

“If you are interested in something didactic, and ever-changing — an area where something is old news a year after it was new, where you are constantly challenged — then haematology is the specialisation for you.” 

Freya’s story is a powerful reminder of how one opportunity — like the Arrow scholarship — can spark a rewarding career. We are proud to have played a small part in her incredible journey. 

If you would like to support nurses like Freya to grow their careers and improve care for patients with blood cancers, please consider donating to the Arrow Scholarship Program. Your support helps fund advanced education and fosters the next generation of nursing leaders. 

👉 Donate today at www.arrow.org.au/support-us/make-a-donation