Engineering a Brighter Future: Katherine Awarded Leadership Scholarship

Hannah will use the St John of God Health Care Scholarship to study a Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care at Curtin University, expanding her skills in urology, gynaecology and continence care.

“I love my job and I love caring for people undergoing urology and gynaecology care, this seemed like a natural progression to enter this space,” Hannah said.

“I’m also passionate about women’s health, after seeing the effects that incontinence can have on someone’s quality of life. I hope to assist in elevating symptoms and helping people live their life.”

The St John of God Health Care Scholarship supports caregivers pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate study in areas of clinical workforce need across nursing and allied health, as well as cultural immersion programs and other professional areas of study.

Hannah, who started at Murdoch five years ago, said the scholarship has helped her continue progressing in her chosen field while easing the financial pressure of returning to study.

“My main drive comes from wanting to improve health outcomes and help people. I think about how the extra knowledge can assist in providing higher levels of patient care and how it will help with my job as clinical educator, in providing education to my colleagues,” she said.

“It has enabled me to actually be able to enrol and complete the course, the financial anxiety in regard to studying again was very high and having the organisation support me in my studies has been very beneficial.”

Hannah said her passion for health care comes from both connecting with people and continuously learning.

“I really enjoy talking with people and learning how things work - whether it’s understanding a piece of equipment, seeing how a process is undertaken, or finding ways it could be improved,” she said.

For Hannah, the most rewarding part of working in health care is advocating for patients and being part of a supportive team.

“I love patient care, talking to patients and advocating for their care. I love the stories and the laughter. I love working within a team and work with an amazing group of Nurses, Patient Care Assistants and doctors on St Catherine ward,” she said.