From Mentor to Award Winner

September 26, 2025

When a nursing student from the University of Canberra began his aged care placement at Southern Cross Care’s Campbell Residential Care, ACT, he wasn’t expecting much.  

Like many students, he had preconceived ideas about aged care that it was slow-paced, perhaps even uninspiring, but that changed the moment he met Registered Nurse Reginald Torres. 

By the end of the placement, the student not only loved his experience, but had made a life-changing decision: he wanted to become an aged care nurse.  

That transformation, sparked by Regi’s mentorship, led to him being nominated - and ultimately winning - the prestigious 2025 Outstanding Nurse Preceptor Award from the Clinical Placements with the Older Person (CPOP) program. 

One of only 20 awards given across Australia, the honour recognises excellence in mentoring and the positive influence of preceptors in supporting student learning during aged care placements.  

Regi’s nomination came directly from the student, who wrote heartfelt words about how his guidance reshaped his view of aged care and inspired his future career. 

Regi, who has worked in aged care for over 12 years, says the recognition was unexpected but deeply meaningful.  

“At first I was a little hesitant about celebrating it,” he admits. “But my wife told me to be proud and enjoy the recognition. She said my story might inspire others to consider aged care as a career and I agreed.” 

Area Manager ACT and Southern NSW Samantha Tosh said she couldn’t be prouder of Regi being recognised as an outstanding preceptor. 

“Many students start their placement with preconceived ideas of what working in aged care is all about,” she said.  

“Regi shows our visiting students how complex and rewarding gerontological nursing actually is, requiring advanced clinical skills, judgement and decision making.  

“Regi is showing the next generation of Registered Nurses how rewarding a career in aged care can be.” 

Originally from the Philippines, Regi studied nursing there before qualifying to work in Australia. He began his aged care journey simply because it was the first job available but quickly discovered it was where he belonged.  

“I started to enjoy it almost immediately,” he says. “The conversations with residents are what I love most. I’ve learnt so much from them, not just about nursing, but about life.” 

Regi’s approach to mentoring is grounded in empathy, encouragement, and honesty.  

“I always tell students that while the job is hard, you’ll always find something you love about it. For me, it’s the conversations. There’s laughter, tears, every emotion in every shift and you grow from all of it.” 

He recalls the advice he’s received from residents over the years:

“They always say life is fast, so live in the moment and that kids grow up quickly so don’t see them as a burden, but a blessing.”  

As a father of two, Regi says those words have shaped how he parents and how he lives. 

Now approaching 40, he still plays basketball but is considering returning to billiards, a sport he loved in his youth and much gentler on his knees.  

But professionally, he’s found his calling.

“Aged care is what I want to do until I retire. It’s part of my life now.” 

Regi’s story is a powerful reminder that aged care is not just about clinical practice - it’s about connection, wisdom, and heart; and thanks to his mentorship, one more young nurse is ready to carry that legacy forward.