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Autumn 2006

Long-term HACSU member wins nursing scholarship

Margot Combes, from Rosary Gardens, has worked as an enrolled nurse in the aged care industry for 17 years.

Margot was recently a successful applicant for the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme, allowing her to pursue further education, and eventually qualify as a registered nurse.

Margot said, "After doing the job quite routinely for so many years I had a think about what I wanted to do and I realised I wanted to do more."

Upon hearing that Margot was keen to undertake Registered Nurse training, Carolyn Wallace - the Director of Nursing at Rosary Gardens - encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.

Coordinated through the Royal College of Nursing, the scholarship aims to encourage more people to enter the aged care industry and to increase the overall level of skill in the industry. Those in rural areas with a commitment to aged care, are particularly encouraged to apply. As Margot has shown, these scholarships are open to people of all ages, not just recent school leavers, showing that age is no barrier to further study.

The successful applicants receive $5,000 per semester (to a maximum of $30,000), which Margot is using to pay for fees, books, travel, and accommodation costs incurred as a result of her studies.

"I expected to be a poor student, but the scholarship has given me peace of mind, and no HECS debt hanging over my head."

Margot said, "My employer, Rosary Gardens, has been fabulous. They have allowed me to take leave without pay to study while still working alternate weekends and three afternoons a month." Even more, "Rosary Gardens has also agreed to be flexible with my hours around exam time."

Margot says, "I am very appreciative, both of my employer and the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship, which have allowed me the opportunity to pursue further study."

If you are interested in the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship, please contact the Royal College of Nursing Australia or visit their scholarship web page.