BDC has its first School Nurse

Alice France enrolled at BDC in Year 7 and sat for the School Certificate in 2001. She moved to the Coffs Harbour Education Campus for her senior years of study. Alice completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University before moving to Brisbane to study a postgraduate course in Intensive Care. She then enrolled in the Catholic University to gain midwifery qualifications before moving back to Coffs in 2010 to start a family. Alice has since then worked in Community and Child Health as a nurse and midwife. We heard from Alice about her exciting new role here at BDC and here is what she had to say. 

'School nurses are instrumental in monitoring and enhancing the health and wellbeing of students, staff and community members. A school nurse will provide BDC with a professional, consistent, and high-quality system of care. Parents can be assured that their child’s health needs, whether acute or chronic, can be safely and efficiently addressed whilst in the school environment. Furthermore, having a trained health professional on-site to implement processes of health promotion, disease prevention, and early disease management, should aid in maintaining high-quality health conditions throughout the campus. I aim to provide students with the ability to connect, succeed and thrive.' Alice said. 

'Students will have a dedicated and experienced nurse to attend to their health and wellbeing needs at all times. Each student will experience a continuity of care and feel safe and supported to access the school nurse's services. I will build relationships based on mutual respect, trust and understanding and maintain an open and professional communication system with students, staff and parents.'

Alice went on to say, 'I have a passion for children’s health and well-being and as a result, the majority of my 16-year nursing career has involved working with children and families. I am a Registered Nurse with experience and postgraduate qualifications and have also recently worked as a Midwife within the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service which has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the importance of cultural wellbeing and how it affects health. I enjoy working with families from all cultural backgrounds and look forward to learning about and working with the diverse range of cultures within the BDC community.'

'A school nurse plays an integral part in supporting the wellbeing of students whilst working in partnership with the existing wellbeing facilities within the school. Consistent with the ‘Bishop Druitt Way’, I strongly believe health should be viewed from a holistic approach, addressing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of a person in order to maintain optimum wellness. It is my personal responsibility as a nurse, and a wellbeing leader within BDC, to appreciate and foster the ever-changing and developing wellbeing of all students. My own enthusiasm and commitment to health allows me to serve as a positive role model to students, as I express a love for a healthy, balanced, and active lifestyle.' 

'I am most looking forward to building trusting relationships with students and making a positive difference in their lives. I feel honoured to play a leading role in establishing the school nurse position within the school and seeing its growth. I’m also looking forward to becoming an integral part of the amazing BDC community. As a past student and now parent of a student attending the school, I have already witnessed the welcoming and supportive environment of the school and the community.' Alice said. 

Another BDC success. Welcome to BDC Alice.