Scholarship awarded to support intensive care nurses career

8 Mar 2022

Joice, who works at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals, 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 Health Professions Education at the University of WA.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity and feel blessed to be a part of this organisation that supports the careers of women,” she said.

“The scholarship provides me with financial support so I can invest my time in my studies while also presenting the opportunity to network with fellow scholarship recipients and share the journey of pursuing higher education.”

Joice said her passion for nursing, in particular in the intensive care setting, came from being able to support another human at their most vulnerable time.

“The most rewarding aspect of being a nurse is to be able to support another human in their most vulnerable state and to celebrate their recovery, or preserve their dignity when dying and supporting their loved ones through their most difficult times,” she said.

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