Congratulating Our 2023 & 2024 Nursing Prizes & Endowment Recipients
Congratulations to all of our Nursing Award recipients who have been recognised for their dedication and outstanding achievements in their studies.
The Department of Nursing offers a variety of courses tailored towards different skill and career levels, including specialist areas of interest. We are proud to award a number of Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes to our diverse cohort of high-achieving students. These awards provide students with the opportunity to further their clinical, academic or research careers.
Our talented students were rewarded for their spectacular work during the 2024 Marian Barrett lecture, and we would again like to congratulate each and every award recipient.
As a celebration of these students’ achievements, we are proud to share the stories of some of our recipients.
Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) Prize
"I am grateful to have been awarded the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) Prize. I am humbled to see my hard work recognised and look forward to the ongoing educational opportunities this prize provides."
- Enya Dundas, Graduate Certificate of Critical Care
Denise Spencer Prize
"I was so surprised to receive this award because I was always so impressed, inspired (and sometimes intimidated) by the incredible knowledge of my fellow students in Cancer Nursing. I learned so much from both my peers and my lecturers, especially Polly Dufton - thank you!
The Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing is so relevant and applicable to my work in Oncology and Haematology. I remained interested in my subjects and diligent with my learning because it directly improved my practice the next day. Lifelong learning is the key to providing evidence-based, safe practice and this year I started working in Cancer Clinical Trials as a research nurse/coordinator, which is an exciting step for me.
Working closely within the trials team, creating evidence-based research, finding new cures, and providing a high-level of personal care throughout my patients' cancer journey is very rewarding. I am grateful to the University of Melbourne and to Denise Spencer, an inspiration in the world of Cancer Nursing for making this prize possible. Thank you so much."
- Kaarin Goeldner, Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing
Nicole King Prize
"I am honoured to accept the Nicole King Prize for my efforts while completing the Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing. As an Associate Nurse Unit Manager working at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, I am extremely passionate about providing excellent and innovative care in the oncology setting. This prize has significant meaning to me as I aspire to embody and apply the values and skills that Nicole King was recognised and respected for, and I thank the award donors for their recognition.
In this coming year, I plan to make significant contributions at my hospital as an ANUM and through development of my portfolio on Blood Management, which explores improvements in the way blood transfusions and collection is managed in the surgical oncology population. Thank you again for this honourable award."
- Emily Pullens, Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing
Head of Department Graduate Prize
"The Master of Nursing Science has allowed me to reskill and join a new profession, with theoretical and practical preparation that has left me well equipped for the role. I am honoured to receive this award, and I would like to express my gratitude to the faculty, particularly the lecturers, tutors, simulation lab instructors and program coordinators for sharing their knowledge with passion and providing support to uplift the next generation of nurses.
My exposure to nursing through this degree has highlighted a few avenues of interest for career progression but I have not yet come to a decision on which direction I intend to follow. I am currently undergoing a graduate program at a major Melbourne hospital, and looking forward to seeing where my career will take me."
- Felicity Williams, Master of Nursing Science
Dorothy Jean Ineke Scholarship
"I am honored and thrilled to be receiving the Dorothy Jean Ineke Scholarship. I would like to sincerely thank the donors and supporters of this scholarship for their generosity and commitment to furthering education. This scholarship not only provides me with financial assistance to continue my education, but is also a validation of my dedication to advancing in the field of Nursing.
I am deeply passionate about the care and well-being of older individuals and am committed to specialising in aged care through pursuing a Masters of Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner. I am truly grateful for this academic recognition of my recent studies. Receiving this scholarship reinforces my belief in the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to one's goals."
- Katherine Jones, Graduate Certificate of Gerontology (Nursing)
Michael Kierce Prize
I would like to thank Michael Kierce, his relatives and the donors who have made this prize possible. I would also like to thank The University of Melbourne, my lecturers and my hospital educators for the support and educational opportunities that I have received throughout the course."
- Joshua Logan, Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing (Emergency)
Dianne Campbell Prize
"Thank you, I am honoured and excited that I have been named the recipient of the Dianne Campbell Prize. Receiving this was a nice surprise and I am grateful for the recognition that I have received in being awarded this prize. Now that I have completed the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing (Emergency), I aim to continue to develop my Emergency Nursing skills, continue learning with educational opportunities and eventually complete the Masters of Advanced Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner) to become a Nurse Practitioner within the Emergency Department.
Receiving this prize has boosted my morale and motivation to strive to achieve these goals in the future, but for now, I am going to focus on raising my newborn baby boy, Walter. I would like to thank the donors, The University of Melbourne and my course lecturers, my hospital nursing educators and my 2023 post graduate peers who have made this prize possible."
- Joshua Logan, Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing (Emergency)
Catherine Wotton Ovarian Cancer Scholarship
"I am extremely honoured to be receiving The Catherine Wotton Ovarian Cancer Scholarship. This generous award not only alleviates the financial burdens associated with my studies but also serves as a beacon of validation and support for my career aspirations. With a fervent ambition to become a clinical nurse consultant specialising in gynaecological cancers, this scholarship reaffirms my dedication to this cause. It empowers me to strive for excellence in my studies, knowing that my efforts are recognised and valued by the donors and individuals who have chosen to invest in my future. The significance of this scholarship extends beyond its monetary value; it symbolises belief, encouragement, and a shared commitment to combating ovarian cancer.
As I embark on this journey, my gratitude knows no bounds. I am profoundly thankful to the donors, supporters, and living relatives whose generosity has opened doors of opportunity and propelled me closer to my goals. In the upcoming year, I am determined to excel academically, with the aim of completing my studies with the utmost distinction. This scholarship serves as a catalyst for my aspirations, fuelling my resolve to make a meaningful difference in the field of gynaecological oncology."
- Christina Grivanos, Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing
The Royal Melbourne Graduates Nurses Association Nursing Research Endowment
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Royal Melbourne Graduate Nurses' Association Nursing Research Prize donors and supporters. I am delighted to receive this award after the completion of my Master of Advanced Nursing Practice in 2023.
I am a passionate nurse and midwife, working within the Neonatal Intensive Care setting at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The study for which I won this award reflects a clinical question that repeatedly captured my interest across several years. I am delighted to be able to advance the level of evidence informing surgical neonatal intensive care nurses' experiences providing breastfeeding and expressing support through my Masters project. This project seeks to identify what will prepare and enable nurses to support mothers and their patients in relation to breastmilk provision with the goal of improving neonate breastmilk consumption rates on discharge from the NICU.
I am currently employed within RCH as a Clinical Support Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit and a Clinical Nurse Educator for the Graduate Nurse Program. My keen interest in research partners seamlessly with my clinical education roles, reflecting the clear intersect between education and research. This prize motivates me to continue further studies, possibly a PhD, in the future, and to support nurses to pursue research as a nursing career pathway."
- Lauren Cross, Master of Advanced Nursing Practice
Patricia Eileen Hyams Scholarship
"I have a personal story with cancer. In 2016, my husband was touched by malignant melanoma. He was treated at The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. It was a very difficult time in my life, juggling 3 young children, having to leave our regional home and our support network to receive treatment, navigating results, side effects and concerns about the future. We were blessed with an amazing team, especially a dedicated nurse who we could call on at any time. She gave us the reassurance and support we required at the time. This experience allowed me the clarity to know I wanted to pursue oncology nursing and provide this support for my patients and their families in their time of need. I also knew I wanted to contribute to their care closer to home to allow minimal disruption to their lives.
This scholarship will go a long way to reducing the financial pressure I currently face. Being a mother of three teenage daughters, and paying off a mortgage. With inflation at a high, mortgage pressure will be reduced, my cost of living will be positively impacted, especially at the supermarket. I travel 110kms return each day to work at a regional hospital, the cost of fuel on my budget is high and this scholarship absolutely reduces the financial stress in my life.
Over the remainder of my enrolment this year I am looking forward to my subjects ahead. I am excited about the knowledge and growth I will develop, allowing me to share it with my Cancer and Wellness Team at Northeast Health Wangaratta and most importantly my patients and families that I treat everyday. I am passionate about healthcare in the regions. There is strong evidence to suggest treatment closer to home has increased positive outcomes. My goal is to contribute to the growth of the Oncology Unit I currently work at and to make cancer care accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.
Finally and most importantly, I would like to express my gratitude to the legacy of Patricia Eileen Hyams, The Bruce Hyams Foundation, their family that continues to support this scholarship and the University of Melbourne for making it possible for me to study the Post Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing."
- Michelle Cox, Post Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing
"I would like to thank the family of Patricia Hyams for their Scholarship contribution which allows rural or remote students to further their nursing studies. I have been selected as a recipient of the Patricia Hyams Scholarship for my continued studies in the field of Cancer Nursing. This scholarship will enable me to continue my work as an Oncology nurse while also giving me the opportunity to dedicate the required study time allocation to ensure that I can complete my Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing studies without extra financial pressure.
The decision to enhance my knowledge in the field of cancer nursing and enrol with The University of Melbourne was triggered by my passion to provide the residents of Bass Coast the best possible care. I have been working at Bass Coast Health - Wonthaggi in the Integrated Cancer Unit for 2.5 years. I have seen personally the impact cancer treatment has on the patients, and realise the benefit to the patients of being able to have treatment locally as apposed to travelling hours to receive treatment in Melbourne.
I believe that the residents of Bass Coast that utilise Bass Coast Health's Integrated Cancer Unit deserve the best evidenced-based care possible and to be able to provide the level of care that is required. I chose to educate myself by enhancing my knowledge of Cancer Nursing, allowing me to provide this to my patients."
- Linda Tack, Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing
