Hospital to expand nursing scholarship scheme

Jennifer McNamara, Director of Clinical Services at Gosford Private Hospital

Gosford Private Hospital will continue its nursing scholarship and placement program next year, with plans to expand the scheme to Brisbane Waters Private.

The scholarship program, facilitated by Healthe Care, works on a two-tier basis with a placement opportunity at the hospitals as students work with mentors to deliver quality health care services to the community, and an opportunity to be funded throughout their studies.

Director of Clinical Services at Gosford Private Hospital, Jennifer McNamara, says it’s crucial to maintain the nursing workforce on the Central Coast.

“We get a lot of amazing students travelling here to do their placement but unfortunately we do not retain them, with many preferring to return to their home communities,” she said.

“In response we worked collaboratively with Wyong TAFE to offer nine placements this year and one funded scholarship to support our local nursing students who are really well suited and want to work on the Central Coast once they complete their studies.”

This year there were 60 applicants for the collaborative placement and scholarship opportunities.

The collaborative placement offers nine students the opportunity to complete their placement at a Healthe Care hospital with the intention for them to continue working at the facility, working as an assistant in nursing while they complete their Diploma.

One scholarship was offered this year with the recipient receiving funds for course fees and a guarantee of work in their designated hospital for two years.

This year’s successful scholarship recipient, Emily Crawford, said the program was rewarding.

“I’ve always been really interested in caring for people and my love for nursing began from there, so I decided to apply for the scholarship,” she said.

“The whole experience has been really rewarding so far with everyone at the hospital being so helpful, always offering support and motivating me.

“Being given guidance when I don’t come from a nursing background has been a huge help and given me so much relief and I would recommend the program to anyone who has an interest in the profession.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch says the program is exactly what the Coast needs.

“We have an ageing population and it’s vital we start to proactively think about the future of our community and how we can guarantee the Central Coast hospital care won’t be compromised,” Tesch said.

“The masterminds behind [the program] are so passionate, working to make our community stronger and healthier and also provide opportunities for our youth.

“Our locals deserve the very best health care and I can’t wait to watch this program grow and for the benefits to be felt all over the Central Coast.”

Source:
Media release, Nov 26
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch