A blessing to signify the importance of healing and serving those in need was received by Diploma of Nursing students on The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Broome Campus during a special First Practicum Blessing ceremony on Tuesday, 19 May 2015.
These students, who are about to embark on their first practicum placement in 2015, had their uniforms and badges blessed by Father Marcelo Parra in front of a small gathering of Notre Dame staff and fellow colleagues.
The students about to undertake their placements in the Broome and wider Kimberley community in Western Australia are: Serena Abraham, Carolyn Armstrong, Prudence Clark, Sarah Dawson, Roxanne Dolby, Alina Effner, Arthur Hartmann, Emma Hughes, Ami Shenstone, Tanisha Tigulu and Jeannie Wilson.
Some of these students have come from across Western Australia and from regional cities in other states to commence their Nursing studies on Notre Dame’s Broome Campus.
“This blessing is Notre Dame’s way, as a Catholic university, of preparing you practically and spiritually for your first practicum,” said Matthew Hill, Campus Minister, during the blessing ceremony.
“Not only is the University sending you out to serve the community with the knowledge and skills you have acquired, but the Church also recognises the important impact you will make on the lives of people around you through your commitment to healing those in care.”
Sally Clark, Assistant Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, said the first clinical placement was a momentous occasion in a student’s life, often met with excitement and trepidation.
“Clinical placements provide students with a taste of nursing which is something to celebrate. It gives them the opportunity to explore the world of nursing from a safe base, with ongoing support from Notre Dame’s Nursing staff reflecting the University’s commitment to the provision of pastoral care for all students,” Mrs Clark said.
For more information about courses on The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Broome Campus, please visit http://www.nd.edu.au/broome.