After 11 years of service, the School of Nursing and Midwifery will bid farewell to Perioperative and Perioperative Nurses Surgical Assistant Courses Coordinator, Catherine Dean, who will retire in 2024.
Professor Lisa McKenna, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, said Catherine has played a key role in designing and delivering the curriculum for postgraduate Nursing students.
“As well as holding a clinical role in operating theatres at the Alfred Hospital for the past 23 years, Catherine has worked closely with colleagues at the Alfred Clinical School where she has undertaken the teaching of highly specialised post graduate offerings in operating theatre specialisation.”
“One of Catherine's significant achievements is the development of the Perioperative Nurse Surgical Assistant course in 2017, which was created in collaboration with the Alfred Hospital and other clinical organisations.”
“Catherine’s teaching excellence has been recognised, and she takes pride in bridging the gap between theory and practice for her students,” Professor McKenna added.
Reflecting on her time at La Trobe, Catherine says it has been a privilege to be able to share her knowledge and support the next generation of perioperative nurses.
“Perioperative nursing is a highly specialised area of nursing, which is both highly technical and intensely patient focused.”
“It is important to me to support the next generation of perioperative nurses in acquiring new skills, certifications and knowledge. By imparting knowledge and skills to perioperative nurses, you contribute to safer surgeries, better outcomes and improved patient experiences.”
“Teaching has allowed me to contribute to the advancement of perioperative nursing as a field.”
Thanking Catherine for her service, Professor McKenna said her commitment to the field of nursing education is commended.
“We applaud Catherine’s commitment to excellence in the healthcare and educational sectors, thank her for her service to La Trobe University and wish her all the very best.”
