Mentoring program helps guide future Nightingales

19/05/2022. By Carmelle Wilkinson.

Florence Nightingale is famously known as the founder of modern nursing.

Immortalised as the lady with the lamp, Florence Nightingale was a highly intelligent, visionary, who pioneered better health outcomes in the mid-1800s.

Famously known as the founder of modern nursing, her innovations resulted in lower death rates, improved safety and better hygiene practices – without having trained as a nurse herself.

Working in hospitals and war shelters plagued with disease and infection, Florence put the needs of others before her own, and was revered a hero for her bravery and selflessness.

While the nursing profession has changed drastically since the mid-1800s, the career itself remains true to those who are motivated to serve and save others.

Nursing as a profession has evolved over the years, but its fundamental goal of serving and saving others remain the same.

Gaining enormous respect as one of the most trusted roles in society, critical staff shortages coupled with COVID-19 pressures have placed our current health system under great strain.

As the next generation of nurses and midwives report to the frontline, Curtin University is ensuring this transition from study to practice is made smoother with support and encouragement from our men and women already working in the field.

Implemented this year as part of the Curtin Cares initiative, The Curtin Nursing and Midwifery Mentoring Program uses online app Mentorloop to facilitate quality mentorship between practicing Alumni and final year nursing and midwifery students.

Connecting mentees and mentors through a series of meetings, online interactions and resources – is anticipated to ease their transition from study to workplace.

Through Mentorloop students will gain greater knowledge and understanding of the WA health system, and have the opportunity to ask their mentor any burning questions they may have.

Mentor, clinical nurse and midwife consultant Giselle Howard (BS Nursing, 2001/PD Midwifery, 2003) said working on WA’s frontline has yielded a wealth of emotions and experiences.

Giselle Howard is a clinical nurse and midwife consultant at King Edward Memorial Hospital.

“Some days are more challenging than others. There are some days you might work eight hours straight without a break, or some days you are faced with an emergency that leaves you emotionally drained. But there are definitely more good days than bad,’’ she said.

“There is no greater joy than seeing a patient whose come into emergency looking quite unwell, walk out the doors happy and healthy all during the same shift.”

With healthcare systems becoming more complex and diverse, she said assisting our future nurses and midwives through the ever changing and sometimes challenging environment had become paramount.

Giselle said WA was fortunate to have a good supply of PPE gear for its hospital staff.

“An initiative like Mentorloop is so important, we need to look after the next generation and prevent burn out in the workplace. It will hopefully bring benefits such as increased resilience, coping strategies and create a safer workplace both psychologically and professionally,’’ she said.

“The program is also an opportunity for our inspiring nursing and midwife alumni to give back and gain the satisfaction of sharing our experience with new graduates,’’ she said.

Growing up surrounded by relatives in the profession, Giselle said it was no surprise she too gravitated toward helping others.

“My aunt was a nurse, my grandpa a doctor and later in life after us kids had grown up, my Mum attained her degree in nursing She’s now 73, and works in the aged care sector,’’ she said.

“I always knew I wanted a career where I could make a difference.”

While the last two years have been incredibly challenging both mentally and physically for healthcare workers, Giselle said staying connected to loved ones and taking time out for yourself had helped her navigate the frequently changing landscape.

Mentoring programs can help reduce burn out in the workplace.

“It’s been a challenging couple of years keeping up with all changes. But by banning together, our team have kept up with health advice and supported each other, through what has been a rather uncertain time,’’ Giselle said.

Matched with a mentee through Mentorloop, Giselle said her greatest advice to new nurses and midwives was to go easy on themselves.

“I always tell graduates there will be bad days, but the good days will outweigh them. Go easy on yourself, accept that you will make mistakes and ask lots of questions,’’ she said.

“And if you feel overwhelmed, please go speak to someone. I see a counsellor and have mentors myself, one in the profession and one out of the profession, and I find this helpful.

“I also like getting outdoors, exercising and catching up with family and friends on a regular basis. I have a close network of girlfriends who work in the same field and that helps cope with the stresses of the job.”

As one of the longest established schools of nursing in the Australian university sector, The Curtin School of Nursing and Midwifery is ranked in the top 100 in the world for nursing in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2021.

Curtin’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is the longest established schools of nursing in the Australian university sector.

From its humble beginnings more than 47 years ago, the School has been a key part of the University’s drive to be a leader in health sciences education and research.

With currently 1655 nursing students enrolled at our Bentley Campus, the School offers undergraduate courses in nursing and oral health therapy; and specialist postgraduate courses in areas ranging from diabetes and critical care, to child health and midwifery.

Curtin nursing students in training.

This month the school welcomed its new Head of Nursing and Midwifery Tracey Moroney.

A registered nurse with a 22-year career in higher education, Tracey has been involved in senior leadership roles at several universities.

Curtin Head of Nursing and Midwifery Tracey Moroney.

Growing up in Sydney, she said it was always a dream of hers to become a nurse.

“After I graduated from university and started to work, I was drawn to education,’’ she said.

“In the new role I am looking forward to work with my team, to develop more collaboration and participation in the School. I am also embarking on the development of a new strategic action plan for the School, which I hope will give us more direction in the years ahead.”

She said new graduates had the skills and knowledge to be great practitioners but needed greater support and mentoring to adjust to their new profession.

Curtin nursing student

Curtin nursing student providing care to a patient.

“Nursing and midwifery can really make a difference to the lives of people receiving care, their families, and communities,’’ she said.

“We need to make sure that nurses and midwives work to the top of their scope. They are educated to do so, and we should enable this.”

Tracey said care and compassion were fundamental qualities of any future nurse, but being able to think critically, develop and use evidence to solve problems were also highly important.

Tracey said care and compassion were fundamental qualities of any future nurse, but being able to think critically, develop and use evidence and solve problems were also highly important.

For more information on Curtin’s Nursing and Midwifery Mentoring Program please email rebecca.newton@curtin.edu.au

___

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Congratulations to Curtin graduate Dr Sandy Chong on being inducted into WA’s Women’s Hall of Fame! 👏🎉

A trailblazer and champion of women’s empowerment, Sandy’s journey to leadership is a testament to resilience and dedication to dismantling barriers for migrant women in Australia.

As the first Asian person to be elected as President of the United Nations Association in WA, Sandy works tirelessly with local communities, civil society groups, and governments to promote peace, social justice, and inclusion.

Beyond advocacy, Sandy is a passionate mentor for countless young women and migrants through organisations like UN Women, Cherie Blair Foundation and Zonta House Refuge, to name a few.

“This award holds profound significance for me, not only as a woman but also as a migrant in this country. Living in Australia for nearly 30 years, I've encountered and witnessed firsthand the challenges that many face - battling hardships, dealing with both societal and cultural stereotypes, and overcoming systemic barriers. 

“The award is not just a personal achievement for me but also a testament to the resilience and strength of all migrant women everywhere,” Sandy says.

We are so proud of you Sandy, and your unwavering commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Australia and across Asia! 💛🌏

Read Sandy’s powerful story in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WAWomensHallofFame #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment #DiversityandInclusion #Changemakers #GenderEquality #Community #Inclusion #Leadership #FemaleLeaders

Congratulations to Curtin graduate Dr Sandy Chong on being inducted into WA’s Women’s Hall of Fame! 👏🎉

A trailblazer and champion of women’s empowerment, Sandy’s journey to leadership is a testament to resilience and dedication to dismantling barriers for migrant women in Australia.

As the first Asian person to be elected as President of the United Nations Association in WA, Sandy works tirelessly with local communities, civil society groups, and governments to promote peace, social justice, and inclusion.

Beyond advocacy, Sandy is a passionate mentor for countless young women and migrants through organisations like UN Women, Cherie Blair Foundation and Zonta House Refuge, to name a few.

“This award holds profound significance for me, not only as a woman but also as a migrant in this country. Living in Australia for nearly 30 years, I`ve encountered and witnessed firsthand the challenges that many face - battling hardships, dealing with both societal and cultural stereotypes, and overcoming systemic barriers.

“The award is not just a personal achievement for me but also a testament to the resilience and strength of all migrant women everywhere,” Sandy says.

We are so proud of you Sandy, and your unwavering commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Australia and across Asia! 💛🌏

Read Sandy’s powerful story in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WAWomensHallofFame #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment #DiversityandInclusion #Changemakers #GenderEquality #Community #Inclusion #Leadership #FemaleLeaders
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We had a blast at Curtin Open Day on the weekend! 🎉📚

Thank you to all our amazing alumni volunteers who spent their Sunday with us at our Curtin Alumni Human Library stall!

It was great to see the campus buzzing and have so many people visit our stall to chat to the team and write their very own ‘Future Me’ postcards - we hope you enjoy reminiscing and reading them in the years to come! 

These amazing events don’t come together without our alumni volunteers, so a big thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with our future graduates! 💛

Want to volunteer at future Curtin events and connect with fellow alumni? Express your interest via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinLife #CurtinOpenDay #Thankyou #Alumni #Volunteers #Opportunity #Event #PopUp #Volunteering #Community

We had a blast at Curtin Open Day on the weekend! 🎉📚

Thank you to all our amazing alumni volunteers who spent their Sunday with us at our Curtin Alumni Human Library stall!

It was great to see the campus buzzing and have so many people visit our stall to chat to the team and write their very own ‘Future Me’ postcards - we hope you enjoy reminiscing and reading them in the years to come!

These amazing events don’t come together without our alumni volunteers, so a big thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with our future graduates! 💛

Want to volunteer at future Curtin events and connect with fellow alumni? Express your interest via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinLife #CurtinOpenDay #Thankyou #Alumni #Volunteers #Opportunity #Event #PopUp #Volunteering #Community
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What began as an opportunity to seize the day and feed her soul soon became a body-positive movement, with over 125 girls of all ages around the world now following Tara into the surf each week.

That’s not all, Tara is now incorporating her Curtin Psychology Honours degree into her swims by adding self-reflection and mindful moments. As the movement continues to grow, Tara hopes to continue to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and women of all shapes and sizes. 💙 

Dive into Tara’s day above. 👆 

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #Alumni #SeaGals #Movement #BodyPositivity #Women #Swimming #Beach #BodyImage #Community #MentalHealth #PerthisOk #PerthLife #PerthToDo #Scarborough

What motivates Curtin graduate Tara Jeisman to start her day at 4AM? ⏰🤯

As the Founder of @_seagals_ , Tara is passionate about waking up at the crack of dawn to create a safe space for women to swim in the ocean and feel comfortable in their own skin. 🌊🏊

What began as an opportunity to seize the day and feed her soul soon became a body-positive movement, with over 125 girls of all ages around the world now following Tara into the surf each week.

That’s not all, Tara is now incorporating her Curtin Psychology Honours degree into her swims by adding self-reflection and mindful moments. As the movement continues to grow, Tara hopes to continue to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and women of all shapes and sizes. 💙

Dive into Tara’s day above. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #Alumni #SeaGals #Movement #BodyPositivity #Women #Swimming #Beach #BodyImage #Community #MentalHealth #PerthisOk #PerthLife #PerthToDo #Scarborough
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From the age of 17, Curtin Finance and Marketing graduate Ligwina Hananto took an interest in finance, helping her grandmother manage household bills. 💼📈

Fast forward to 2024, she is the Founder and CEO of her own independent financial planning and consulting company, QM Financial which assists corporations, small businesses, and individuals with all their financial needs.

Outside of work you’ll find the mum of three making people laugh as a popular stand-up comedian in her home country of Indonesia. 

From balancing cheque books at day to creating belly laughs at night, Ligwina shares how she has been able to make a living doing what she loves.

Read the full story via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons  #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #Connection #Business #Leadership #Finance #Comedian #Indonesia #Global #Alumni

From the age of 17, Curtin Finance and Marketing graduate Ligwina Hananto took an interest in finance, helping her grandmother manage household bills. 💼📈

Fast forward to 2024, she is the Founder and CEO of her own independent financial planning and consulting company, QM Financial which assists corporations, small businesses, and individuals with all their financial needs.

Outside of work you’ll find the mum of three making people laugh as a popular stand-up comedian in her home country of Indonesia.

From balancing cheque books at day to creating belly laughs at night, Ligwina shares how she has been able to make a living doing what she loves.

Read the full story via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #Connection #Business #Leadership #Finance #Comedian #Indonesia #Global #Alumni
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From a young age, Curtin graduate Dr Marnie Gibson was curious about the world around her. 💭

Fast forward to 2024, the Global Director of People for popular tea brand @t2tea hasn’t stopped asking questions. ☕

Not one to shy away from new experiences, Marnie also competitively roller-skates with hopes of joining the national skating team in the future.

The highly professional Human Resources and Engagement leader is encouraging young girls to embrace leadership roles and know their worth.

Discover more of Marnie’s fascinating career journey and side hobby via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #HumanResources #Connection #Business #Leadership

From a young age, Curtin graduate Dr Marnie Gibson was curious about the world around her. 💭

Fast forward to 2024, the Global Director of People for popular tea brand @t2tea hasn’t stopped asking questions. ☕

Not one to shy away from new experiences, Marnie also competitively roller-skates with hopes of joining the national skating team in the future.

The highly professional Human Resources and Engagement leader is encouraging young girls to embrace leadership roles and know their worth.

Discover more of Marnie’s fascinating career journey and side hobby via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #HumanResources #Connection #Business #Leadership
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One of our most inspiring Curtin Ignition graduates, Co-Founder & Director of Money School, Lacey Filipich shares some of the exciting things she does each day to help create a more equitable future for women.

Whether she’s attending a keynote, recording a podcast, working hard behind the scenes on Money School, or meeting friends for a coffee – no two days are the same for this busy woman! ☕️💻

Dive into a Day in the Life of Lacey above. 👆 

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of an international award-winning author, financial educator, speaker, and mentor involves? 👀🤔

One of our most inspiring Curtin Ignition graduates, Co-Founder & Director of Money School, Lacey Filipich shares some of the exciting things she does each day to help create a more equitable future for women.

Whether she’s attending a keynote, recording a podcast, working hard behind the scenes on Money School, or meeting friends for a coffee – no two days are the same for this busy woman! ☕️💻

Dive into a Day in the Life of Lacey above. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality
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Curtin graduate Dikshita Awotarowa is already creating spaces where women can thrive in the finance industry. 🙋‍♀️

For Dikshita, embarking on a career in the male-dominated finance industry did come with its challenges, as she often found herself part of a minority in various investor meetings and conferences.

Determined to bridge the gender divide, Dikshita founded the Women in Finance and Investment Network. 

The platform is dedicated to influencing emerging markets by providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for women to share their experiences, and ideas and empower each other to reach new heights in their careers and beyond. 💜

This International Women’s Day, Dikshita shares how we can pave the path forward toward a more equitable future via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #InvestinWomen #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality #GenderEquity #Diversity #Inclusion

Curtin graduate Dikshita Awotarowa is already creating spaces where women can thrive in the finance industry. 🙋‍♀️

For Dikshita, embarking on a career in the male-dominated finance industry did come with its challenges, as she often found herself part of a minority in various investor meetings and conferences.

Determined to bridge the gender divide, Dikshita founded the Women in Finance and Investment Network.

The platform is dedicated to influencing emerging markets by providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for women to share their experiences, and ideas and empower each other to reach new heights in their careers and beyond. 💜

This International Women’s Day, Dikshita shares how we can pave the path forward toward a more equitable future via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #InvestinWomen #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality #GenderEquity #Diversity #Inclusion
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Curtin Commerce graduate Brett Marris understands how daunting it can be trying to land your dream role once you’ve completed your studies. 🎓💼

Since graduating from Curtin, Brett has found himself loving life at Rio Tinto as part of their People Experience function, managing the recruitment of a variety of senior leadership and technical positions around the business.

Brett shares below his top three tips for fellow graduates looking to start their career off on the right foot.

𝟏. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. This can be something as simple as volunteering your time after hours or helping at an event. Doing this allows you to meet and get to know people you would otherwise not regularly interact with.

𝟐. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. Just because something doesn’t tick every box at a certain point in time, don’t let this deter you from taking a chance or trying something new. You may surprise yourself.

𝟑. 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫. You never know when you may need to leverage these or when the opportunity to assist someone else will arise.

Thanks for sharing, Brett!

Looking at pursuing a career in mining? Learn more about Rio Tinto's 2024 Intern Program and 2025 Graduate Program, and other great opportunities at Curtin's UniHub here 👉  https://bit.ly/3wyxTky

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #Careers #Advice #RioTinto #CareerTips #Graduates #Alumni #HumanResources #Mining

Curtin Commerce graduate Brett Marris understands how daunting it can be trying to land your dream role once you’ve completed your studies. 🎓💼

Since graduating from Curtin, Brett has found himself loving life at Rio Tinto as part of their People Experience function, managing the recruitment of a variety of senior leadership and technical positions around the business.

Brett shares below his top three tips for fellow graduates looking to start their career off on the right foot.

𝟏. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. This can be something as simple as volunteering your time after hours or helping at an event. Doing this allows you to meet and get to know people you would otherwise not regularly interact with.

𝟐. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. Just because something doesn’t tick every box at a certain point in time, don’t let this deter you from taking a chance or trying something new. You may surprise yourself.

𝟑. 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫. You never know when you may need to leverage these or when the opportunity to assist someone else will arise.

Thanks for sharing, Brett!

Looking at pursuing a career in mining? Learn more about Rio Tinto`s 2024 Intern Program and 2025 Graduate Program, and other great opportunities at Curtin`s UniHub here 👉 https://bit.ly/3wyxTky

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #Careers #Advice #RioTinto #CareerTips #Graduates #Alumni #HumanResources #Mining
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