Playing footy since 2020, Breanna-Rose (or Rosie as known by her teammates) combines her playing career by working full-time as a Mental Health Nurse at Caboolture Hospital.
White began her career path at the hospital with a graduation course in 2021 and has stayed there since.
In fact she has come full circle, as she was born at the same hospital.
The obvious question being how does Breanna-Rose adjust her work commitments with football?
“It is a challenge, but the staff are very supportive and accommodate my requests for Saturdays off and curate my roster around training," White said during the week.
“If I work night shift (11pm to 7am) I will sleep during the day, attend training then it is back to night shift.”
Then there are other shifts that include during the day (7am to 3-30pm) and afternoon/evening work that concludes at 10-30pm which require adjustment.
The inspiration for working in the tricky mental health space came from other members in her family who work in the industry and her sister Ashlea who is a Psychiatrist. In fact, White has six other siblings with others working in Queensland Health so there is plenty of support available.
“The work is rewarding though - helping those patients that have various issues and personalities such as schizophrenia and working with them,” White said.
The type of work Breanna-Rose undertakes is in the Acute Mental Health Ward which can be perilous and the need to remain aware.
“I have been physically assaulted, but understood that the patient was not well and appreciate that it's sometimes the reality,” she explained although this has been a rare occurrence.
“Unfortunately it is a reality of working in health. No matter if you are a nurse, paramedic or a doctor but we are working towards better solutions.”
White added that there are capable nursing teams on the wards and security can be called if required, but is gradually seeing a change in community attitudes with this important issue.
“People are more understanding of mental health and the stigma is shattering so it's a lot more in the open and understandable and accepting,” she observed.
“It can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate between class, gender or background. There is a growing awareness of peoples own wellbeing and anyone seeking assistance should consult their health professional and not feel ashamed in doing so.”
Currently Breanna-Rose has been taking a break from the shifts being in a management role working the 'more friendlier' Monday to Friday hours but will soon return to the shift work in May.
If that is not enough, she is still studying to be a nursing practitioner, which will allow her to treat people and prescribe scripts to fill the gaps when a doctor is not available. Ironically it means studying for another two years in 'enemy territory' at the University of Queensland but there are no thoughts of leaving the her beloved Lions!
Also White is in the process of building her own house in nearby Morayfield! So where will this career path lead to and what is the ultimate goal?
“To stay in Queensland Health working in the public system and helping those that are not as fortunate and vulnerable,” White answered with a sense of determination.
What about on the field where tall 'Rosie' plays in the ruck as the the Lions approach their second season in the Bond University QAFLW.
“Pre season has been strong and we are naturally hoping to build on the wins from last season” said White enthusiastically who also praised the new coaching regime of champion player Jess Davey and co-coach Todd Spackman.
Like many, Breanna-Rose has noticed a steady growth of the game in the region and the emergence of young talent.
“The womens' game is growing all the time and some of the younger brigade are highly skilled so the future looks promising for the club over the next five years,” White said. and is pleased her work has a positive impact on her teammates.
Moreton Bay begin their season on Saturday with a tough assignment at home against last year's finalists Coorparoo at 3pm.
After speaking with this young woman for this interview it is no wonder that Breanna-Rose White is proving not only a valuable player on the field with her teammates but an incredible inspiration off it as well