Bank First Supports our Nurses

28 Mar 2022

For the very first time, Bank First, through its Community Fund, is supporting St Vincent’s nurses with five scholarships valued at $3,000 each. The staff scholarships program supports St Vincent’s post graduate nursing staff by creating opportunities for future leaders in healthcare.

Simone Van Veen, Bank First Chief Member Officer, said, “Bank First was born 50 years ago out of a desire to support those who support others in our community.  I am delighted that we can partner with St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne in this wonderful program. We look forward to seeing this program flourish in the years ahead. I’d like to thank the many applicants and congratulate our inaugural recipients.”

The recipients of the inaugural five nursing scholarships are:

  • Darcy Trainer – Postgraduate studies in Cardiac nursing
  • Deirdre Fitzpatrick – Postgraduate studies in Emergency Nursing
  • Hannah Maywood - Postgraduate studies in Emergency Nursing
  • Hannah Parrock - Postgraduate studies in Emergency Nursing
  • Mallika Ranjit – Postgraduate studies in Medical Nursing

Mallika Ranjit – Postgraduate studies in medical nursing
“I am currently working on 8 East (General Medicine) Ward. I started as a Graduate Nurse in 2020. I love how challenging yet rewarding the ward is. It is rewarding to care for patients from diverse backgrounds with multiple health issues. This also makes the work challenging at times. But with such a great team to work with, work feels like home and I look forward to every single day. There is always something new to learn every day on the ward. I would like to continue to work on 8 East and build my career.”

Hannah Maywood – SVHM Registered Nurse, Emergency Care Centre Nursing
I undertook my nursing graduate year with St Vincent’s in 2018 and have worked here ever since. I found my home in the Emergency Department in 2019 but I was always interested in the area of emergency medicine after my undergraduate studies in paramedicine. The fast pace and unpredictability are the reasons I continue to find this work exciting and rewarding.

We are a trusted workforce to marginalised community members and this is largely part of the reason I love working for St Vincent’s. We truly hold space for people from all walks of life and I am proud to work alongside my colleagues in providing equitable healthcare.

“Having the opportunity to undertake my post graduate studies means building my knowledge base and ensuring patients receive high quality care and it allows me to develop the skills to help junior nursing staff as they join our department.”

Deirdre Fitzpatrick - Postgraduate studies in Emergency Nursing
“I emigrated to Australia five years ago and found work in St Vincent’s Emergency Department for the last four years. I fell in love with St Vincent’s. Firstly, having the connection of being founded by Irish Sisters of Charity in 1889. Secondly, it is a home away from home for me. The staff were very welcoming as a few Irish and other nationalities work here.

“I have always enjoyed working in Emergency Departments due to the fast-paced environment, the variety of work and patient presentations and I am always learning. I am currently studying a postgraduate in Critical Care Nursing in Emergency. This course will enhance my knowledge and skills and open other opportunities for me in the nearby future which I hope to pursue.”

 

Richard Thayer, Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager, said. “Our partnership with Bank First plays an important role in supporting the education and learning of St Vincent’s nursing staff. Thanks to Bank First’s support, nursing staff have an opportunity to increase their knowledge and further their careers. Congratulations to the recipients of the inaugural Bank First Nursing Scholarships.”

Contact

St Vincent's Foundation
Ground floor
Rear, 55 Victoria Parade
Fitzroy, Victoria 3065