CQU Mackay nursing lecturers celebrated International Nurses Day on Wednesday by hosting an afternoon tea to highlight comical nursing stereotypes that have evolved over time.

Nursing lecturer Pam Savage’s slide presentation included photographs and images documenting the history of the profession.

“Stereotypes are attached to numerous professions, yet the ones that relate to nursing reflect the strict disciplinary approach that prevailed earlier in the 20th century,” she said.

“During these times, nurses were classified as cleaners and decisions relating to their personal life were provided through directions from the matron. For example, if a nurse intended to marry, they had to seek permission from the matron and once married the nurse was required to resign from her position.

“These days we find that students are influenced by images being presented in the media through television shows such as ER or All Saints.”.

CQU Mackay has 128 nursing students enrolled in the three-year program, with the majority of students residing in the local region.

Students from Mackay have been recipients of the Royal College of Nursing Australia awards and international exchange students with Swedish hospitals. Several have received scholarships supporting remote and rural students. More recently students have also received Aged Care scholarships.