One of The University of Queensland’s first nursing graduates has been recognised for her work raising awareness of prevention and early detection of cancer by being named the Cancer Council Queensland’s Nurse of the Year.
24-year-old UQ Bachelor of Nursing graduate Yana Jones was awarded the title after raising $35,000 for the Cancer Council Queensland and campaigning heavily to spread the message of sun safety.
Now based in Ipswich, Ms Jones was inspired to enter the contest after experiencing the effects of cancer on her own family and working in cancer care at Innisfail Hospital and the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
“The Nurse of the Year campaign was a great way to combine my passion for nursing with the opportunity to support the wonderful work of the Cancer Council Queensland,” Ms Jones said.
“I focused on the importance of sun safety throughout my campaign as skin cancer is one of the most common yet highly avoidable forms of the disease.”
As part of her win, Ms Jones recently attended the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Attending the convention was a wonderful opportunity to meet other cancer care nurses from across the world and hear about the latest research in areas such as patient care,” Ms Jones said.
Head of The UQ School of Nursing and Midwifery Professor Catherine Turner congratulated Ms Jones on her achievements.
“UQ is proud of the high calibre of our nursing students and it is fantastic to see one of our first graduates excelling in her field and making such a valuable contribution to society,” Professor Turner said.
According to Ms Jones, UQ’s combination of academic learning and practical hospital-based teaching were fundamental in preparing her for a career in nursing.
“The small-group, problem-based learning that I experienced at UQ meant that I was ready to face any challenge from my first day on the job,” said Ms Jones.
Ms Jones looks forward to continuing her career in cancer care and possibly advancing her studies with postgraduate training in the field.
