Seeing Double at Notre Dame’s School of Nursing Graduation Ceremony

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Summer 5-1-2005

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle Campus

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

Attendees at the recent Notre Dame Graduation Ceremony had to look twice when not one but two sets of identical twins graduated from the School of Nursing.

Mellisa & Sarah Gunn and Kristy & Kirsty Gjakun were among the 54 new nurses to graduate from Notre Dame.

Head of the School of Nursing, Associate Professor Vickey Brown said, “There was a bit of confusion with the students, especially when they undertook their clinical practicums. Many staff and patients believed they were seeing double.”

Melissa Gunn pointed out that having a twin study the same course also had its advantages.

“We were able to study together, share information and get extra support from each other,” she said.

Assoc Professor Brown added, “All our graduates including the twins, are well prepared to enter the profession of nursing. They’ve had an excellent foundation including 39 weeks of clinical practice, which started in their first semester of study. Our nursing students are mentored, not preceptored, which means they work exactly the same shifts as their mentors – nights, weekends, public holidays and even 21st birthdays!” she said.

The Gunn twins have entered graduate nursing programs at Royal Perth Hospital and the Gjakun twins at St. John of God Hospital Subiaco.

For media related information contact: The Media Office, University of Notre Dame, Direct line: 08 9433 0698, Mobile: 0408 959 138, Email: media@nd.edu.au

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