Nurse receives the highest academic achievement in the Masters of specialty practice

24 May 2016

24 May 2016

Renae has worked as a Registered Nurse in the Operating Theatre at St John of God Ballarat Hospital for the past four years.

She began her Masters studies at Deakin University Burwood Campus in Feb 2014. In June of that year,
her mum was diagnosed with terminal melanoma and
she moved back to Adelaide. She returned to study in July 2015 and her mum has since gone into remission.

Renae said receiving this award was a huge honour and recognition of hard work.

“Along with technical skills, the study has helped me gain a deeper understanding of the whole patient experience.”

"Striving for excellence and improving patient outcomes is why I am keen to complete the masters by research," Renae said.

Director of Nursing Maria Noonan said only one student is awarded the Masters of Specialty Practice annually.

The hospital is committed to research with the appointment of a Professor of Nursing which is a collaborative appointment

with Australian Catholic University. This appointment provides academic leadership and fosters excellence in research which will support Renae’s interest in this area.

“We are pleased to support Renae to continue her studies to complete the graduate diploma this year and submit her

Masters thesis in 2017,” Maria said.