Content
Nursing Science student receives bursary
A Buderim mother-of-two and dedicated surf life saver has been awarded a bursary towards her goal of saving lives as a registered nurse.
Christine Pointon, 40, enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast for a career change after her husband encouraged her to attend a USC Open Day in 2008.
The former Queensland Transport public servant is now maintaining a perfect grade point average of seven in her full-time USC studies while working casually at Nambour General Hospital as a ward clerk. She is also gearing up for another season as an active member of Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club.
Ms Pointon this month received a $1,000 bursary from the Sunshine Coast branch of Graduate Women Queensland and intends to use it to buy textbooks and equipment such as a high quality stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer.
GWQ branch president Bev Hinz said the five bursaries totalling $5,000 promoted the advancement of women through education. “The five USC recipients for 2010 were inspirational,” she said.
They included Alise Thomas (Science/Education majoring in Mathematics), Katie Roberts (Environmental Science), Sally Kendall (Environmental Science) and Bridget Campbell (Paramedic Science).
Emerald-born Ms Pointon intends to experience remote nursing in Longreach next year, working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, as part of her USC third-year placement.
After finishing University, she hopes to gain entry to Nambour Hospital’s graduate nursing program.
Ms Pointon recalled a childhood desire to be a nurse but thought now was an exciting time to enter the profession.
“Nurses are at the coalface and they are professionally trained and highly skilled. Nurse practitioners and registered midwives now have access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in their field of expertise.”
She said the USC degree was well-suited to the multi-faceted nature of nursing.
The University is holding its 2010 Open Day on Sunday 15 August from 10am to 3pm.
Visitors can learn about USC courses through tours, demonstrations, displays, information sessions and meeting staff and students. For details call 5430 2890, go to www.usc.edu.au or email information@usc.edu.au.
— Julie Gatehouse