Grant paves the way to more family time for Ara nursing student

_{From left: Bernadette East’s daughter Janna McGlashan and husband David East, recipients Loren Sugrue and Michelle Marshall and Bidwill Trust chairman Sam Hervey.}

An Ara Bachelor of Nursing student is one of the recipients of this year’s Bidwill Trust Hospital Bernadette East Nursing Scholarship, contributing a welcome $3000 towards her third year of study.

Michelle Marshall, along with Loren Sugrue (who is studying at Otago Polytechnic), each received grants at a presentation late last month after applying late last year.

The scholarship was created in 2022 in memory of the late Bernadette East, who was a senior nurse at Bidwill Trust Hospital for 39 years and an exceptional mentor of those new to the profession.

Applicants had to have successfully completed the second year of their studies towards their nursing degree, and either be residents in South Canterbury or have completed their high school education in the province.

Marshall, who studies at Ara in Timaru, said she intends to use the funds towards childcare costs for her two boys which would mean she could reduce her work hours during her clinical placements and spend more time with her whanau.

"I’m committed to staying in Timaru with my family, and I’d love to work in a role that’s community focused,” she said.

"I have a passion for quality improvement, patient advocacy and striving for equity," she said.

Sugrue also said she was hoping to return to Timaru, gain some work experience and give back to the community she grew up in.

Bidwill general manager Tina Rogers said Bernadette East had a passion for nursing with a focus on quality and excellence.

"She gave many people their professional break, mentoring and encouraging them to see things in themselves that they didn’t see.

"We’re pleased to see strong evidence of how the two successful candidates intend to benefit their nursing careers and their communities through the assistance provided," she said.