The McGrath Foundation is pleased to announce the 2015 McGrath Foundation Scholarship in partnership with the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is once again open for entries. As champions of breast care nurses and providing professional development opportunities to nurses interested in pursuing a career in breast care nursing, the McGrath Foundation is offering up to four scholarships for registered nurses to complete ACN’s Graduate Certificate in Breast Cancer Nursing, commencing in July 2015. At least one scholarship for a nurse who is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Each scholarship is up to the value of $5,900.

Applications close 27 April 2015. For more information or to apply, go to https://www.acn.edu.au/mcgrath_foundation_scholarship.

Where it could take you

One of the recipients of the 2013 McGrath Foundation Scholarship, Jo Lovelock of Mornington, Victoria had worked for many years as a nurse, breast care nurse and midwife at her local hospital. After seeing a post on Facebook about the 2013 scholarships, Jo applied for and was granted support to complete her Graduate Certificate in Breast Care Nursing through the Australian College of Nursing. While completing the year-long course, Jo’s hospital received funding for a dedicated McGrath Breast Care Nurse position, a job for which Jo was the successful candidate.

After practicing nursing for so many years since her original studies, Jo said the benefit of the scholarship was an enhancement of her knowledge base. ‘It really gives you that evidence based backing for your clinical practice and equips you with the specific skills needed to support the women and men who need the services of a breast care nurse. I’m so glad I applied, I haven’t looked back.’