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Autumn 2003

Deborah Lockett wins National Scholarship

HACSU member, Deborah Lockett has become only one in a hundred nurses nationally to win a coveted Commonwealth Aged Care Nursing Scholarship.

The scholarship will provide Deborah with $30,000 over 3 years to qualify to be an RN.

Deborah is a most deserving winner of this scholarship.

Currently working as an ECA Nurses Aid level 3 at Eskleigh Nursing Home, Deborah is determined, bright and very committed to nursing in aged care. Deborah, born and bred in Tasmania, has also worked in group homes and family-based care services.

Deborah was, however, very disappointed that after nine and a half years of working at Eskleigh her employer refused her request of leave without pay, and forced her out of her current permanent part time status and into the casual pool.

HACSU Industrial Officer, Max Vizard, said he was "gob smacked" at the employer,s bloody mindedness.

"In Deborah this employer has a very committed employee who has given a lot of service and who wants to upgrade her skills. Yet they do everything they can to make it hard for her."

"Tasmania desperately needs RNs, especially those who want to work in aged care."

"The employer should be extremely proud of this employee and should be doing everything they can to help and facilitate her advancement. But they are doing the opposite."

Deborah said she was determined to study hard, to do well in her scholarship and achieve her RN qualification.

"I have a clear goal, and am determined to achieve it," Deborah said. I have always wanted to work within aged care, and would like to eventually be a community nurse working in a rural setting."

"I am very happy to be a member of HACSU with the way they have supported me. They have gone over and above to help me." Go to it Deborah, show them how.