Scholarship enables cancer nurse to take the lead
St John of God Subiaco Hospital Clinical Nurse Elizabeth Egan has been selected as one of 24 recipients of a scholarship to further her education.
1 May 2023
Elizabeth, who works in the hospital’s cancer ward, is using the Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship for the Empowerment of Women through Education to study a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Leadership at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
“Over the last few years, I’ve been able to progress to a position of leadership, but the scholarship will give me the opportunity to formalise my leadership skills and enable me to be the best leader I can be for [the cancer ward] and the hospital,” Elizabeth said.
The scholarship, which was first offered in 2021 in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Sister's foundation, seeks to continue the legacy of the visionary and courageous women who founded St John of God Health Care in Australia.
The scholarship was open to female caregivers undertaking studies focused on leadership development or related to women's health.
Elizabeth has worked at St John of God Subiaco Hospital for the past five years, having previously completed her graduate registered nursing program at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals.
She said she enjoys finding new ways to learn and grow in a career that she loves.
“I’ve always looked for opportunities to push myself into leadership positions and advance my career so I can provide exceptional care to patients and bring my best to the team around me,” she said.
“Working in cancer services is challenging, but meeting patients and seeing what they are going through makes me realise how privileged I am as a nurse, to be in a position where I can take care of them.”
She said her desire to work in health care came from her mum, a St John of God Health Care nurse of 40 years.
“Mum and I both work at St John of God Subiaco Hospital and while we don’t work in the same area, we share a special connection and passion for helping others and making a difference in our patients’ lives,” she said.
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