Last chance for aspiring Aboriginal nurses and midwives to apply for scholarships
The NSW Government is calling on aspiring nurses and midwives from Aboriginal communities to apply for the 2022 cadetship and undergraduate scholarship programs, with applications closing on Monday 14 February.
Kristen Gammage’s successful career with Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) saw her start as a registered nurse, and eight years later she is now a clinical business analyst for Digital Health Services.
She first received an undergraduate scholarship while studying full time and living out of home, describing the application process as “easy”.
After consolidating her clinical skills, Kristen enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing with Professional Honours (Anaesthetic and Post Anaesthetic Recovery Room Nursing) to expand her theoretical knowledge of anaesthesia, trauma and critical care.
“The second time I applied for the scholarship was during my postgraduate degrees. I was struggling to commit to postgraduate level study while having to take on extra shifts to support myself and remembered how much help it was during my undergraduate study,” Kristen said.
Receiving these scholarships supported me and allowed me to fully commit to studying.”
She now combines her background in nursing and passion for project management to improve clinical safety and efficiency, identifying possible risks or specifications that need to be amended to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
Jacqui Cross, NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, encouraged Aboriginal people who are interested in a rewarding career in NSW Health to apply.
“We’re working hard to build up the Aboriginal workforce across NSW to help improve health outcomes for First Nations people,” Ms Cross said.
“Connection to culture is central to the health and well-being of Aboriginal people. It is essential that our health workforce includes Aboriginal nurses and midwives delivering culturally safe care.”
The NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery cadetship and scholarship programs provide Aboriginal people the opportunity to receive financial and professional support during their university studies.
You deserve the support you need to say no to that extra shift and put that time aside to study, to learn as much as you can and chase your goals.”
Over four years, $2.8 billion is being invested by NSW Health to recruit 8,300 extra frontline staff including an additional 5000 nurses and midwives.
Applications for the 2022 NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Undergraduate Scholarships are now open and close at 11:59pm 14 February 2022.
You must be logged in to post a comment.