Scholarship awards new perspective in nursing

13 Mar 2024

Helping people is rewarding for any type of nurse, and for Meesha Astill, it was wanting to play a bigger role in birthing and person-centred care that helped her make the decision to move into midwifery. 

Originally working as a Registered Nurse, St John of God Health Care Graduate Midwife Meesha said her original placement facilitator encouraged her to consider further studies in midwifery, which would require a further 18 months of post graduate education. 

The St John of God Health Care Midwifery Scholarship helped her to complete her studies at the University of Notre Dame to become a Registered Midwife, paying her university fees and supporting the time during her course placement at St John of God Murdoch Hospital. 

“The choice to undertake further studies was made easier knowing there were scholarships that I could apply for that included ongoing support,” Meesha said.

Meesha said her previous nursing experience at St John of God Murdoch Hospital helped her feel comfortable during the placement.

“The on the ground training was warm and welcoming, and it was a smooth transition from my previous role as a Registered Nurse,” she said.

Meesha’s passion for her new occupation was recognised as she was awarded the 2022 Notre Dame Vice-Chancellor Medal for obtaining the highest-weighted post-graduation mark across the entire campus. 

“It was a surprise, but I’m really pleased to learn that I was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Award. It was challenging at times but worth it, and I’m happy that I did it,” she said.

Meesha’s awards extend further receiving the 2023 Excellence in Midwifery Award, and Special Commendation for Midwifery in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Awards.