St Vincent’s nurses care for patients at their most vulnerable everyday – offering clinical skill, calm reassurance and compassion when it matters most. But the healthcare environment they work in is changing rapidly. Patients are presenting with more complex needs, technology is accelerating and hospitals across Victoria continue to face workforce shortages.

Nursing scholarships give St Vincent’s nurses the opportunity to deepen their skills, grow as leaders and continue delivering exceptional, person-centred care.

Healthcare is becoming more complex

Across all clinical areas, nurses are caring for patients with higher acuity and multiple chronic conditions. New technologies and virtual models of care require nurses to continually update their knowledge and respond quickly to change.

Scholarships support postgraduate study, specialist training and nursing-led research – ensuring nurses remain prepared for the challenges of modern healthcare.

Growing workforce pressure

In the midst of nationwide shortages, many nurses are stepping into senior responsibilities earlier in their careers. Their dedication is extraordinary, but support is essential.

Scholarships help nurses build expertise in high-demand areas including ICU, emergency, mental health, oncology, perioperative care, addiction medicine, aged care and community health.

As Chief Nursing Officer Jacqui Bilo explains, “Our nurses are being asked to step up earlier and take on more responsibility. Education is what gives them the confidence, capability and resilience to do so.”

Hear our nurses tell their stories of how a scholarship has helped them

Removing financial barriers

For many nurses, further education means stepping away from paid work – a significant obstacle during a time of rising living costs. Without protected study time, the financial pressure can prevent nurses from pursuing the training they need.

Scholarships remove that burden. They give nurses the freedom to continue learning, without sacrificing income or family commitments.

Supporting innovation and patient-centred research

Nurses are closest to patients, placing them in the best position to identify improvements in care. Yet they continue to be underrepresented in traditional research funding.

Scholarships empower nurses to lead research and innovation that directly improves patient safety, care pathways and clinical outcomes.

Jacqui adds, “An engaged and valued nursing workforce translates to excellence in patient care.”

Shaping the future of care - please support our nurses with a donation.

By supporting nursing scholarships, donors help build a highly skilled, confident and future-ready nursing workforce. It is a meaningful investment in compassion, expertise and the wellbeing of every person who will rely on St Vincent’s in the years ahead.

And finally from Jacqui, "Imagine a future where every nurse in our hospitals has access to further education. This is my big dream. And with your gift today, you become a part of it." 


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