Bunbury nurse awarded inaugural scholarship for cancer care research

A Bunbury nurse has been named as one of the first recipients of a new scholarship aimed at helping support the career development and professional growth of caregivers.

St John of God Health Care nurse Laura Lombardo was awarded the Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship for the Empowerment of Women through Education last week in line with International Women’s Day.

The scholarship, launched this year to support the careers of clinical caregivers at St John of God Health Care, will help Ms Lombardo in her studies for a Post-graduate Certificate in Cancer Science.

Currently working at the hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Ms Lombardo said she wanted to further her studies as a way of better helping her patients.

“I have found that oncology is a specialised area that is always evolving with so much to learn, so I’m excited to receive this scholarship which will ensure I have the skills and knowledge to provide current, best practice and high-quality cancer care to our community,” Ms Lombardo said.

“Our patients choose us for treatment and I feel I owe it to them to ensure they receive the best cancer nursing care.”

The scholarship is named after Sister Bridget Clancy to recognise her critical role as one of the founding Sisters of St John of God Health Care and is open to female clinical caregivers as they continue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in selected fields.

In her role at St Bridget’s Home for women within the Wexford Jail in 1874, Sister Bridget Clancy guided women in their learning towards becoming nursing sisters.

In naming the scholarship after this founding Sister, it continues her legacy in helping women in their professional development.

“St John of God Bunbury Hospital is a teaching hospital so this presents me a great opportunity to teach new students and graduates about oncology,” Ms Lombardo said.