St Vincent’s nurses will have the opportunity to embark on further education this year thanks to your support of nursing scholarships during our Christmas appeal.
With your generous support, we raised funds to support 12 nursing scholarships, helping our nurses stay ahead of the curve in patient care.
We can now offer nurses the chance to attain specialised skillsets in areas of need across St Vincent’s – especially in oncology, cardiology, maternity, perioperative, orthopaedics, neurology, intensive care and palliative care.
For Acute Pain Nurse Consultant, Wendy McDonald, receiving a scholarship means she can undertake further study in psychology to better comprehend any mental health and psychological challenges her patients are experiencing.
“I am passionate to understand where they’re coming from, so I can really help them manage their pain,” Wendy said.
Outside of work, life is just as busy for Wendy who is the primary income earner in her household and has a teenage son to look after. Without a scholarship, studying felt next to impossible.
“It was the scholarship that I received from supporters like you that gifted me the capacity to study. I now have the space to learn while still being there for my family,” Wendy said.
Chief Nursing Officer Jacqui Bilo said giving a nurse a scholarship is not only about financial support, but also the vote of confidence a nurse needs to step up as a leader and a mentor.
“As a leader at St Vincent’s, I’m always thinking of how we can incentivise and grow our own staff to stay with us for the long-term and give their best to patients every day,” Jacqui said.
“Because I know, when nurses feel supported, valued and well-informed, it shows in every patient interaction. I see it in the confidence of their care, the kindness of their words, and the calmness they bring.”
She said education is vital in the current landscape of shifting patient needs, rapidly changing technology and a workforce that is under significant pressure due to nurse shortages across the state. During times like these, the support of our donor community is incredibly meaningful and impactful.
“Thank you for giving our nurses the opportunity to grow, give their absolute best for our patients and as a result make our hospitals so much stronger,” said Jacqui.
If you would still like to contribute to nursing scholarships, it’s not too late. Please make your kind donation today. [QR code]
Caption: A scholarship can make a huge difference for a nurse like Wendy. “I’m a very passionate nurse, and this scholarship has given me renewed energy and focus. It allows me to continue learning and gives me confidence to grow as a clinician and a leader,” she said.
Care that leaves a lasting impression
We asked you – our supporters – to tell us some of your most touching memories interacting with St Vincent’s nurses.
"God bless all of you. Please keep up all your loving, excellent and caring work."
"I thank all the nurses and doctors for their great work.”
"There has been nothing but the best support and specialised treatment for my grandmother. While she is not well, we know she is in the best hands, and you are doing your best to get her back on her feet as quickly and safely as possible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the St Vincent's team, we will forever be grateful for everyone that had a hand in saving her life."
