Scholarship awarded to support Geelong intensive care nurse's career

8 Mar 2022

Courtney, who works at St John of God Geelong Hospital, 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, which is one of Australia’s largest Catholic providers of maternity services. 

The scholarship will support her to complete a Master of Nursing (Critical Care) at Latrobe University.

“Receiving the scholarship eases the financial burden of post graduate study, which I am thankful for, and being a successful applicant specifically for a scholarship focused on the empowerment of women through education is a legacy I am extremely proud to be a part of,” Courtney said.

“Completing this study will help me develop my role as a clinical nurse educator and support St John of God Geelong Hospital to grow its nursing workforce, to improve patient care through best practice and quality nursing and maintain workforce competency and accountability in practice.”

Courtney said working as a nurse throughout the pandemic had been a challenge, but the community support had been priceless.

“All nurses strive to be engaging, empathetic adaptable and patient every day, however, the pandemic with all its uncertainty and chaos has left many of us feeling depleted,” she said.

“I believe the community is aware of this struggle, as the appreciation communicated through thank you cards, and acts of kindness are restorative and validating.”  

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

“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 Sister Bridget Clancy scholarship for the empowerment of women through education, supports career development and professional growth, and continues the legacy and vision of the courageous women who founded St John of God Health Care.”

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.