Scholarship awarded to Bunbury cancer nurse

8 Mar 2022

Laura, who works at St John of God Bunbury Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre, is one of the inaugural recipients of the Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship for the Empowerment of Women through Education, which was launched this year to support the careers of clinical caregivers at St John of God Health Care, one of Australia’s largest Catholic providers of maternity services. 

The scholarship will support her to complete a Post-graduate Certificate in Cancer Science.

“I have found that oncology is a specialised area that is always evolving with so much to learn, so I’m excited to receive this scholarship which will ensure I have the skills and knowledge to provide current, best practice and high-quality cancer care to our community,” Laura said.

“Our patients choose us for treatment and I feel I owe it to them to ensure they receive the best cancer nursing care.” 

Laura said the study would also enable her to support her colleagues throughout the hospital and within the cancer team specifically.

“St John of God Bunbury Hospital is a teaching hospital so this presents me a great opportunity to teach new students and graduates about oncology,” she said.

St John of God Health Care Group Director Workforce Carla Bonev congratulated Laura on receiving the scholarship, as one 36 other women St John of God Health Care is supporting to extend their careers.

“This scholarship is designed to support the career development and professional growth of our caregivers, and each scholarship recipient receives financial support to help them with the cost of their studies, as well as access to mentors and ongoing cohort communication,” she said.

“I am so pleased that we have been able to support so many women this year to further their studies to continue their growing their careers.”

The scholarship, which is sponsored by the Sisters of St John of God in celebration of their 150 year anniversary, is open to female clinical caregivers registering for undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in selected fields.

The scholarship continues the legacy and vision of the courageous women who founded St John of God Health Care and is named after Sister Bridget Clancy to recognise her critical role as one of the founding Sisters.

Sister Bridget Clancy made her vows as a Sister of St John of God in April 1874. When she joined the Sisters she cared for women in St Bridget’s Home, a home for women within Wexford Jail. She was the primary mentor for women who aspired to become a Sister of St John of God, and was responsible for overseeing their religious and spiritual development.