Scholarship recipient strives for excellence in health care management

St John of God Murdoch Hospital Clinical Nurse and CHARM Project Nurse Rachel Eaton has been selected as one of 20 recipients of a scholarship to further her education.

24 Apr 2024

Image of Clinical Nurse Rachel Eaton

Rachel, who works in the Cancer Centre, is using the Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship for the Empowerment of Women through Education to study a Graduate Certificate in Health Care Management at Murdoch University, with the intention to complete a Masters.

“Management was actually an area I thought I would never go into. However, I changed my mind because of the amazing managers I have had over the past two years,” she said.

“It’s a great course as there is all kinds of health professionals studying, so we can share and gain through each other’s point of view and experiences.”

“The scholarship helps with the financial side of study, which has previously put me off studying sooner.”

The scholarship, which was first offered in 2021 in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Sister’s foundation, seeks to continue the legacy of the visionary and courageous women who founded St John of God Health Care in Australia.

It was open to female caregivers undertaking studies focused on leadership development or related to women’s health.

Rachel has worked at St John of God Murdoch Hospital since 2022, and chose the course in order to gain insight and understanding of the basic theory of health care management.

“I don’t like the idea of going in blind to a role,” she said.

“When you get into that higher level of management, there are all these unfamiliar concepts and terminology, and so I felt like this course would give me a basic broad understanding of health care management.

“The course has helped when I’ve stepped up into the Acting Nurse Manager role, as I could see the bigger picture.

“It also gave me some real life experiences to add to the learnings.”

Rachel said the best thing about working in health care is the impact it has on people.

“Working in health care gives you a career to be proud of. You work alongside some amazing people and get to care for amazing patients and their families. You know you make a real difference,” she said.