May 12, 2021

UOW celebrates International Nurses Day

Event acknowledges the leadership and contributions of nurses to society

The University of Wollongong (UOW), Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) together hosted a breakfast today (12 May 2021) to honour the achievements of nurses in clinical, research and leadership roles.

The annual event recognises the immense contributions made by nurses within local communities. It also showcases the importance of nurses and the leadership potential that comes from a nursing career.

The breakfast event was attended by the UOW Vice-Chancellor Designate, Professor Patricia M. Davidson, who was Dean of the School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University for eight years before taking on the leadership role at UOW.

Professor Davidson, who has been a registered nurse since 1980, said the demand for the nursing profession in Australia has increased in the last few years, and it has become more evident during the pandemic.

“Nurses represent a significant proportion of the healthcare sector, and have always been one of the key pillars of it,” Professor Davidson said.
“Nurses contribute immeasurably to the development of others, and their role requires critical and analytical thinking to provide evidence-based and safe care to patients in need.”

“UOW is proud to be producing exceptional nurses who give back to the community through their skills, passion and willingness to contribute to the betterment of society.”
The University launched the Graduate Entry Master of Nursing (Pre-registration) degree, which starts from 2022 and will be offered at the Wollongong and Liverpool campuses.

^{UOW Vice-Chancellor Designate Professor Patricia M. Davidson interacting with colleagues from the nursing profession and delivering the presentation at the event.}

UOW School of Nursing Acting Head of School Professor Victoria Traynor said nurses make exceptional contributions across all healthcare areas. In addition, nurses in leadership positions play an essential role in optimising policy and governance to deliver better care.

“All around the world we are seeing nurses in highly influential positions, which we want to showcase. Following COVID-19, the public view of nursing has been elevated to unseen heights, and we want to highlight this by recognising their contributions,” Professor Traynor said.

“Nurses in leadership positions can bring about change and influence future health care, especially the aged care sector where they will have a pivotal role in implementing the findings of the Royal Commission.”

“The new degree will cater to the growing demand of nursing profession in Australia and students will develop both quantitative and qualitative skills among others which are crucial to the profession.”