Scholarship program empowers nurses in palliative care

Palliative Care Australia joins forces with the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) to launch the 2024 Heather May Herrick Scholarship Program, aimed at supporting Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Nurses in the field of palliative care.

This initiative offers five scholarships, each valued at up to $2000, to empower nurses specialising in palliative care, end-of-life pain management, aged care, oncology and intensive care. The focus extends to addressing healthcare gaps in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, rural and remote areas, as well as nurturing new talent in the nursing profession.

Recipients of the scholarship will have the opportunity to attend the 2024 ACNP National Conference, scheduled from 6th to 8th November 2024 at the Cairns Conference Centre in Queensland. This conference serves as a vital platform for professional development and networking within the nursing community.

The scholarship program is a testament to the enduring legacy of Heather May Herrick, whose life was profoundly impacted by the compassionate care provided by Nurse Practitioner Anne Booms during her final months. Heather, facing multiple health challenges, found solace and relief through Anne’s expertise in pain management, significantly enhancing her quality of life during a challenging period.

In honour of Heather’s experience and recognising the pivotal role of Nurse Practitioners in healthcare, her family has generously funded this scholarship program. Their aim is to extend support to more nurses in delivering exceptional care, akin to the compassionate assistance Heather received.

Applications for the 2024 Heather May Herrick Scholarship Program are open until 27th May 2024. Interested candidates can find further information and submit their applications online.

The Australian College of Nurse Practitioners and Palliative Care Australia expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Herrick Family for their benevolent contribution to empowering Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Nurses to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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