In August, the Alumni hosted Nurses and Midwives Need Nurturing Too—a seminar to help educate nurses and midwives on the importance of caring for themselves— made possible through a generous grant from Eli Lilly.
This year’s event, organised by the Alumni’s professional development committee, was attended by over 70 nurses and midwives. Guest speakers included Cheryl Clayton, Alumni Chairperson; Dr Greg Emerson, Founder and Medical Director of the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre; and Paul Wetzig from Mater Pastoral Care.
“The seminar covered topics as diverse as managing stress at home and at work, and how taking fish oil has many health benefits. It also gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on why they chose to become a nurse or midwife,” said Donna Bonney, Chairperson of the Alumni Professional Development Committee.
“During the event head, neck and shoulder massages were offered by qualified practitioners from the Health and Wellness Clinic, and all our guests enjoyed the opportunity to slip in to the chairs for their spot of pampering.”
Many of those who attended said they had never previously had an opportunity to reflect on the need to keep themselves physically and emotionally well, describing the session as both ‘eye opening’ and ‘life-changing’.
The Mater Nursing and Midwifery Alumni remains committed to supporting the well-being of our dedicated nurses and midwives.
Our three guest speakers provided many positive and valuable insights into the challenges facing the profession, and the Alumni is very grateful for their time and commitment.