2023 marks the second year Bank First is supporting St Vincent’s nurses by providing scholarships to three very worthy recipients. The scholarships, valued at $5,000 each, have been made possible through our partnership with Bank First.
Adrian Wilson, Head of Bank First Partnership Development, said scholarships are one way Bank First can help make a difference.
“We are proud to provide financial support for nursing professionals to undertake additional study in their field of interest. We hope it will benefit them as individuals, benefit the hospital as their employer and perhaps most importantly, benefit their patients who are the recipients of their education and care.
“Congratulations to this year’s three scholarship recipients.”
The recipients of this year’s nursing scholarships are:
- Bhavithrai Dhushyanthakumar- a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Emergency who is undertaking a Masters in of Advanced Nursing – Emergency.
- Rakshya Kunwar – a Surgical Nurse working on 7 West, undertaking a Master of Advanced Nursing - Acute Care.
- Georgina Hodgson - a CNS in Emergency and a Clinical Simulation Instructor in Education and Learning, undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education.
Bhavithrai Dhushyanthakumar - Masters in of Advanced Nursing – Emergency
“I have worked at St Vincent’s Hospital since my graduate year in 2017 and was fortunate enough to find my passion for emergency nursing early on in my career. I fell in love with the fast-paced nature of working in the Emergency Department, in which you have the potential to care for a diverse range of healthcare presentation and individuals from a variety of different backgrounds.
“The staff that make up the emergency team are extraordinary, fostering a supportive culture that celebrates individuals and their accomplishments. They are one of the many reasons I love working here. Once I complete my master's degree, I hope to contribute to this unique area of nursing, building upon policies and creating practice changes that will further the delivery of healthcare at St Vincent’s.”
Rakshya Kunwar - Master of Advanced Nursing - Acute Care
“I joined St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne on a Pathway to Specialty Practice Program in surgical nursing. I completed my first surgical rotation in 9E (Elective Orthopaedics) and second rotation in 7W (Gastroenterology, colorectal and urology). I decided to continue nursing at 7 West due to the unique blend of medical and surgical complexities and patient centred care, challenging me to continuously expand my knowledge and skills.
“The diverse patient populations allow me to provide holistic support to individuals dealing with a wide range of conditions. I enjoy working with the team of enthusiastic nurses, allied health professionals and medical professionals here at 7 West.”
Georgina Hodgson - Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education
“I started my graduate year at St Vincent’s in 2001 and moved to work into the Emergency Department (ED) the following year. I undertook my postgraduate studies specialising in the Emergency field and remained at St Vincent’s for a number of years after completion.
“For the following 10 years l travelled extensively, working in metropolitan city hospitals in the UK, remote Australian outback postings as well as on operational deployment treating battle injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan. On return to Australia in 2016, I came to work at St Vincent’s again back in the ED. I then took up a post as a Simulation Educator and found that l truly enjoyed the challenges and diversity of teaching that working in this area allowed.
“The successful completion of my postgraduate studies in education and simulation will significantly enrich my role as an educator. I will be equipped with an advanced understanding of educational methodologies and simulation techniques and be able to elevate my teaching approach. I am very grateful to Bank First for this opportunity.”
“This is our way to let some of the most important professionals in our community know that we care, we value what they do and that we're here for them,” Adrian said.
Richard Thayer, St Vincent’s Foundation Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager, said, “We are so proud of our continued partnership with Bank First. The support they give is an acknowledgement of the dedication and care our nursing staff provide to our patients.
“Bank First’s long history as a teacher’s credit union and working in education, their funding of nursing scholarships and assisting future leaders in healthcare was a perfect fit for their organisation. We congratulate the recipients of the Bank First Nursing Scholarship and once again thank Bank First for their ongoing support.
Local businesses and corporate organisations play an important role in the care St Vincent’s Hospitals are able to provide.
There are many ways businesses and corporate organisations can support St Vincent’s Hospitals.
To find out more, please contact Richard Thayer, St Vincent’s Foundation Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager, email richard.thayer@svha.org.au or call 0413 199 875.
