Two SuniTAFE nursing students have been recognised for their academic excellence by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Victorian Branch (ANMF). 

Each year, the ANMF Victorian Branch confers a prize to a nursing graduate from every Victorian TAFE campus. These awards are given to high performing students who have represented their Institute to an exceptional standard. 

The 2023 ANMF award recipient from the Mildura campus is Ashley Nichols-Gathercole. 

Education Delivery Manager and Head of Discipline – Nursing, Julie Wilson says that Ashley was an enthusiastic and high-achieving student, earning her this nomination for Mildura. 

“Ashley has demonstrated team building skills, completed all the pre-reading, and showed she was prepared for class discussions and skills sessions,” Julie said. 

“She showed an enthusiastic attitude in both the classroom and on her clinical placement. She was able to link theory to practice and her feedback on placement around her communication skills and time management was always positive.”

“Ashley has the ability to liaise with all health professionals to plan care for her patients, and perform an exceptional level of patient care always being considerate of their holistic care needs and maintain therapeutic relationships.” 

“She was a well-regarded team member on placement and met the Enrolled Nurse standards of care at all times.”

Having completed her studies at SuniTAFE, Ashley will commence the Enrolled Nurse graduate program at Mildura Base Public Hospital.

Teagan Jones was named winner of the ANMF award for the Swan Hill campus. 

Julie describes Teagan as a highly skilled and attentive learner who strives to better her skills whenever possible. 

“Teagan demonstrated a level of knowledge and skill that has her headed toward a great nursing career,” Julie said. 

“She is organised, attentive in class, and is a respected member of her group. Feedback on placement states that she met all of the EN standards of care at all times, works within her scope of practice, demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills and shows excellent initiative.”

“Teagan is responsive to feedback to improve both her knowledge and skills, she has a clear understanding of ethical and professional nursing, and her approach to nursing practice is exceptional.”

“Teagan is aware of the importance of caring and therapeutic relationships and has maintained this in all her clinical practice, therefore attributing to her excellence in nursing practice.”

Teagan’s nursing qualification has enabled her to gain employment at Kerang District Health. 

Both students will cross the stage in March this year at SuniTAFE’s Graduation and Awards events.  

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