Elliot Downes

Registered Nurse

Elliot is a graduate nurse passionate about social justice and health promotion. They are currently pursuing their interest in primary and Aboriginal health in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

This year, Elliot is completing Stage 2 of the Australian College of Nursing Emerging Nurse Leader Program after having successfully completed Stage 1 in 2025.

They have also been privileged to contribute to the Clinical Placements with Older People (CPOP) program as the student member of its expert advisory committee.

In the future, they plan on completing further study with the aim of delivering comprehensive care for rural and remote communities as a nurse practitioner.

Education

2024 - 2025

Graduate Certificate of Public Health, Australian National University

Grade Point Average 6.6

2022 - 2025

Bachelor of Nursing, University of Canberra

Grade Point Average 6.7

Awards

Elliot has received numerous academic awards during their time at the University of Canberra, including the Caring for Older People Excellence (COPE) Award, HESTA Second Year Student of the Semester Award and Excellence in Action Award.

They received the highest mark in the unit for:

Foundations of Professional Planning (89% - equal highest)
Concepts in Pharmacology (94% - highest mark in nursing cohort)
Child and Family Health (89%)
Indigenous Health: Contemporary Issues (100%)
Health Across the Lifespan: Mental Health (92%)
Ethics and Law for Health Professionals (90%)
Mental Health Care in Practice (91%)
Health Across the Lifespan: High Acuity Care Needs (94%)

Presentations

Gerontological Alliance of Nurses Australia End of Year Event 2023

Elliot was invited to speak at the Gerontological Alliance of Nurses Australia (GANA) End of Year Event 2023 on their experiences of gerontological nursing as a student.

Research

2023-24 ACT Health Directorate Vacation Study Program

Elliot conducted an epidemiological study of acute respiratory illness outbreaks in ACT residential aged care facilities as part of the 2023-24 ACT Health Directorate Vacation Study Program.

They presented their findings at The Canberra Health Annual Research Meeting (CHARM) 2024.

Read abstract

Media

Emma Larouche

Clinical placement helped UC’s COPE Award winner find calling in nursing with older people

University of Canberra second-year nursing student Elliot Downes received this year’s COPE (Caring for Older People Excellence) Award for their dedication to learning in an aged care setting and interest in pursuing postgraduate studies in the field of ageing research.

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Oliver Jacques

Nursing student who changed course after studying history recognised for excelling in aged care

A mature-age University of Canberra student who switched from studying history to nursing has been recognised for going above the call of duty when looking after elderly people.

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