Pulse - 13

Welcome from the Dean As I write this edition of the newsletter, nurses and midwives around the globe honour the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, born 200 years ago on May 12. Coincidentally, as a School we also celebrate an important year, 20 years since we first enrolled students in the nursing program. This occasion was celebrated on Orientation Day with our new students and joined by the Missionary Sisters of Kolkata for the commemoration of Mother Teresa as patron saint of the School. Planning was well underway for a series of events throughout the year to celebrate this important milestone for the school, however these events are now either cancelled or postponed. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, midway through the semester, all courses both undergraduate and postgraduate were converted to online delivery and staff transitioned to working from home. Although this was a big change, it was not completely new to us. The School has offered courses online since the Nursing Program commenced on the Broome Campus. The courses in Broome continue to be offered today successfully in a blended delivery mode attributed to the collaborative effort of staff on both campuses. Two key factors, collaboration and teamwork have led to the success of the transition to online delivery this semester. The team in the School worked hard to achieve a successful semester of study for our students. Our School’s core values of pastoral care, authenticity, compassion and excellence have been displayed in various ways and are evident in multiple examples. Although many of our students were unable to experience clinical practicum in the hospitals and healthcare facilities they look forward to each semester, I am confident they have learnt an important life lesson. As Florence Nightingale quotes “The most important practical lesson that can be given to a nurse is to teach them what to observe.” Our students have observed how all of our Nursing & Midwifery educators respond and do their very best in an unplanned situation and are adaptable, empathetic and collegial. I would like to especially thank the graduating students for their leadership and mentorship of their peers throughout this semester. The staff in the School have compiled a short congratulatory video and have organised a special event on the 18th June for all graduating students – Congratulations to the class of July 2020! Happy International Nurses and Midwives Day in the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. Professor Karen Clark-Burg Dean, School of Nursing & Midwifery 20th Anniversary Edition Newsletter 13 | June 2020 Notre Dame School of Nursing & Midwifery In this edition Nursing news Broome Campus Strategic Plan Nursing Society Staff Pilgrimage On the Pulse 20th Anniversary Also, in this edition , I am delighted to present the Schools new strategic plan for 2020-2023. Thank you to all the staff in the School both in Fremantle and Broome, the Notre Dame Nursing Society, the members of the nursing and midwifery advisory board, and midwifery advisory board members for your input and advice.