Edith Cavell remains an inspiration to nurses everywhere. Born in England in 1865, she was an accomplished linguist, musician and artist. After a distinguished nursing career in England, she was invited by a surgeon to establish a nursing school in Brussels.
When World War 1 started, Edith stayed to nurse wounded soldiers, some of them Germans. Tragically she was executed by the German authorities because of her heroic efforts to help Belgian and other Allied refugees to escape.
Australians' raised money to perpetuate her memory by providing a "rest home" for nurses returning from World War I and II. When it became clear in the 1990s that nurses were no longer in need of a home, the NSW Nurses' Association, decided to find another significant and enduring way to commemorate Edith Cavell.
In 1992 the, The Edith Cavell Trust became a reality, established to support nursing research and nurse education, today and for future generations of nurses, with a Committee of Trustees diligently managing all aspects of the Trust.
Who can apply?
Members or Associate Members of the New South Wales Nurses' Association or the Australian Nursing Federation (NSW branch). Funds, grants and awards may be made on a merit, or needs basis and applicants should meet one of the following criterias:
1. Student nurses undertaking full-time courses leading to initial registration as a nurse. Applicants must show proof of enrolment in an approved nursing course and/or proof of re-enrolment on an annual basis. They must also provide evidence of results and academic progress.
2. Registered or enrolled nurses who wish to apply must be or have attended:
- accredited clinical nursing education courses of six months or less, either full-time or part-time;
- accredited nursing conference or seminar relevant to the applicant's clinical practice.
A certificate of completion of the education program/course must be provided. Applicants must be currently registered or enrolled with the NSW Nurses Registration Board (or registration board of the State where practising).
3. Properly constituted nursing organisations, faculties or schools of nursing or registered or enrolled nurses wishing to:
- attend full-time, relevant post-basic studies at a properly approved institution for a period or periods of more than six months;
- undertake an academically approved reseach program in the theory and practice of nursing work;
- conduct or fund relevant professional or clinical nursing education program.
Applicants must be currently registered or enrolled with the NSW Nurses Registration Board (or the registration board of the State where practising).
Research grants will only be given where appropriate ethics committee approval has been obtained and research must be overseen by a qualified researcher.
Progress reports must be provided at the end of each academic semester for the duration of the scholarship, or on an agreed basis for research projects.
How are scholarships awarded?
Scholarships are awarded by the Trustees of The Edith Cavell Trust who may co-opt appropriate persons to sit on the Selection Committee. Where applicants are required to attend for interview, they will be granted assistance with travel costs, if appropriate. All successful applicants must agree in writing to provide a written report within three months of completing the scholarship.
Please note that the Edith Cavell Scholarship is for the following academic year.
Scholarships for the year 2011 open on the 1st May 2010 and close 31st July 2010 and succesful applicants will be notified by the 31st of October 2010.
How do I apply?
Applications will be sought each year through the appropriate Nursing Journals, health and nursing organisations and Universities. Applications must be made on the official form of The Edith Cavell Trust. Full details of The Edith Cavell Trust Rules are available on request or on the NSWNA website and will also be supplied with the application form.
As outlined, in the Edith Cavell Trust application form, you are required to complete the following:
- The application's Summary Form,
- Attach two written professional references,
- Budget details,
- Signature of applicant and date.
The applicant must be a financial member or associate member of the NSW Nurses' Association, please complete on your application form your membership number and the date you joined the Association.
Proof of enrolment / registration is only required if you are successful in obtaining a scholarship and cheques are not issued until such evidence is provided.
If you do not meet the criteria of the application form it cannot be accepted by the Edith Cavell Selection Committee.
Please complete and return by C.O.B., 31st of July of each year.
Note that Scholarships' are for the following academic year; for e.g.: 2010 Scholarship for the Academic Year of 2011.
Scholarship documents can be obtained by:
Emailing: gensec@nswnurses.asn.au
or
In writing:
To: Mr. Brett Holmes - Chairperson, The Edith Cavell Trust, Scholarship Committee.
Address: PO Box 40
CAMPERDOWN
NSW
1450
For furthur enquiries, please phone:
(Freecall No.) 1300 367 962 or (Office) 02 8595 1234
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