my friend was faced with the same dilemma last year -
UTS at Kuring gai campus or Notre Dame.. she picked ND and hates it.
Not only is it more expensive than UTS and other public universities,
you are forced to do theology and other religion subjects, which doesn't
appeal to everyone.. so on top of nursing, you'll be studying Ethics
in regards to things such as abortion etc. She also complains that it's a
crap social life, as Nursing for ND is isolated in the Darlinghurst campus
rather than the Broadway one where most faculties are. The work placement
in Semester 1 & 2 is also limited, as ND doesn't have as many hospital agreements, as compared to UTS and other major unis.. not many options (hospitals to pick from) which can pose a problem for those who live far away.
While UTS is a bit of a hassle.. not just the long train ride there, but the bus (train station is 2.3km away from the campus), i think it is worth it. You will focus on ONLY nursing, not extra religion-based subjects, have more opportunities when it comes to placement and a better social life - there are lots of students there from various faculties.