St Vincent's Nurses Alumni

On Friday 11 October 2024, a paper-based survey was conducted at the St Vincent’s Nurses Alumni Luncheon. Thank you to all attendees who responded to the survey.

The survey’s purpose was to gather views on SVNA’s role and priorities. Findings would inform further development of the SVNA’s role.

The Luncheon attracted 240 attendees, of whom 32 percent or 77 attendees responded to the survey. Of the 77 respondents, 66 percent or 51 respondents were SVNA members; 30 percent or 23 respondents identified as not being members; and four percent or three respondents had unknown membership status.

Forty one percent or 32 respondents also provided written feedback.

Respondents identified as the highest priorities the objectives:

• To pursue activities that foster nursing excellence including sponsoring scholarships to advance education and practice; facilitate mentoring relationships; and support nursing research

• To provide social opportunities to foster friendships and networks with a focus on support for past and present nurse employees experiencing disadvantage at 41 percent and 35 percent respectively.

Of note the objectives ranked lowest, both at three percent were:

• to contribute to the St Vincent’s Hospital archives

• to raise funds to support Alumni projects and activities highlighted including the aforementioned objectives.

It is important to acknowledge the sum of all parts, as without your generous support of fund raising the highest identified priorities could not be realised.

Thirty-two respondents provided written feedback focused primarily on their experience at the luncheon. It is summarised as follows: 

• Fourteen respondents provided positive feedback about the social experience of the event

• Five respondents considered that the luncheon would benefit from entertainment

• Three respondents considered the venue noisy

• Two respondents sought consideration of a different format with one break only for speeches and/or presentations and a request for more improved acoustics and audience control

• No other common themes emerged from respondents

• Eleven respondents expressed interest in becoming a member of the SVNA Committee and/or subcommittees and/or supporting activities related to SVNA Objectives. (A SVNA Committee representative is currently making contact with those attendees that expressed an such an interest.)

The survey findings will be considered by the SVNA Committee and inform the SVNA planning session proposed for February 2025.

Thank you all again for your support and participation. The SVNA Committee looks forward to seeing you all again together with friends and colleagues at next year’s events.

Reunions provide a precious opportunity to catch up with friends and former colleagues, to share stories and network.

When organising events, including celebratory reunions consider booking tables at the SVNA High Tea or annual luncheon. Please email the St Vincent's Nurses Alumni Committee at stvsnursesalumni@gmail.com for further information.