Over four decades, the School of Nursing and Midwifery has educated more than 17,000 nurses and 1,000 midwives.
Edith Cowan University's (ECU's) School of Nursing and Midwifery has marked a major milestone, celebrating 40 years since its inception.
The School of Nursing was originally established in 1985 on the Nedlands Campus of the Western Australian College of Advanced Education (WACAE), moving to Churchlands in October 1988. In late 2007, the School moved to its current home at the ECU Joondalup campus.
Over four decades, the School of Nursing and Midwifery has educated more than 17,000 nurses and 1,000 midwives and is the only Australian university accredited by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL).
"This accreditation reflects our commitment to delivering clinical simulation education that meets the highest international standards, ensuring our students graduate truly world-ready," said Executive Dean, Professor Karen Strickland.
"Building on this momentum, we are ambitiously working towards becoming a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, a significant strategic milestone that will amplify our contribution to global health workforce development and health system strengthening."
School of Nursing and Midwifery Executive Dean Professor Karen Strickland.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery's reach extends from Joondalup and Bunbury to Sri Lanka and Singapore, with over 65 partnerships across the globe, building nursing capacity and leadership internationally.
"Our commitment extends beyond education and research to cultivating global nurse leaders," Professor Strickland said.
"Over the past two years several of our PhD students were honoured at the World Peace Summit, with two appointed as UN Peace Ambassadors, powerful symbols of how nursing values can drive peace and wellbeing worldwide. Especially important at a time of geopolitical unrest and with unprecedented attacks on health care professionals in conflict zones."
The School of Nursing and Midwifery's offering extends well beyond teaching, with dedicated researchers shaping improved health outcomes in the community.
"Our research output is cited well above international averages. In the past year alone, over 70 staff and students have presented at conferences across Australia – with 22 of these being international events, showcasing pioneering work in workforce development, chronic disease, maternal and mental health, aged care, planetary health, and more," Professor Strickland said.
Visitors were taken on a tour of the facilities.
Looking ahead, Professor Strickland noted that the School of Nursing and Midwifery would continue expanding collaborations and partnership, and to focus on research in an effort to have a real-world impact for the health community.
"The challenges before us are real: health systems under strain, growing workforce shortages. But we face these with unwavering resolve. We know that education and research are the foundation of sustainable solutions and transformative change."
