Chief nurse drops into Westmead for a chat

NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross visited the nurses and midwives at Westmead Hospital this week.

Jacqui visited a number of wards across the facility, talking with nursing and midwifery staff, hearing about the great initiatives and the work our staff are involved in.

Jacqui has been in the position of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer for just over 18 months and prior to that held a variety of nursing roles within NSW Health, as a Registered Nurse, Nursing Unit Manager and most recently as the Director of Nursing at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the Director of Nursing and Midwifery at South Western Sydney Local Health District.

Jacqui said visiting staff on the frontline is a great part of her job.

“It was wonderful to visit Westmead Hospital , one of the great things about my role is that I get to talk to nurses and midwives on the front-line and learn about the outstanding contribution they are making.” ” Jacqui said.

Jacqui was impressed with a value statement posted on the wall in Westmead Hospital ward A3C.

“These values are really important, it helps guide the way we work together as teams, and keeps us focused on what is important so we can provide the best care possible care.

Jacqui was asked whether she had a message for new nurses keen to grow their career in the field.

“Nursing is a fantastic career and there are so many great opportunities, I have been fortunate to have had strong role models throughout my career, so I would encourage everybody to notice the inspirational leaders around them” Jacqui said.

“The context and the way we deliver care is varied and diverse. As nurses and midwives we have the great privilege to make a real difference to the people we work with and care for, and what enables us to do that is the kindness and compassion we show to ourselves and to others.”