Scholarship awarded to future nursing leader

8 Mar 2022

Claire, who works at St John of God Subiaco 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, one of Australia’s largest Catholic providers of maternity services. 

The scholarship will support her to complete a Diploma of Business (Leadership) over the next two years.

“I’m very grateful to be awarded the scholarship so that I can continue expanding my skills and knowledge, and increase my confidence in managing and leading as a nurse,” Claire said.

“The course will also help me support the development of junior staff in the Intensive Care Unit.”

Claire said working in intensive care throughout the pandemic has been challenging but it highlighted to her the importance of strong leadership and working together as a team.

“The caregivers in our unit have been amazing, participating in training and education, adapting to the challenges of working in personal protective equipment (PPE) and working together as a team to solve problems,” she said.

“I think the pandemic has raised the profile of nursing in general and intensive care nursing specifically. However, it is also important to remember that an intensive care bed is not just a bed and a ventilator, but a team of highly skilled nurses, as well as doctors and other allied health professionals.”

St John of God Health Care Group Director Workforce Carla Bonev congratulated Claire 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.