Celebrating our nurses and midwives: ‘it’s a role like no other’

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) took the time this week to formally acknowledge and celebrate the tireless work of our nurses and midwives with a number of special events.

Activities including award ceremonies, barbecues, high teas, Olympic-style games, trivia, mindfulness sessions and dancing with the director of nursing were just a few of the official celebrations taking place.

On Sunday 5 May we celebrated International Day of the Midwife with the theme Midwives: defenders of women’s rights, and this Sunday 12 May marks International Nurses Day with the theme A voice to lead – health for all.

“It can be challenging and confronting, and on the other hand is very rewarding, uplifting and a satisfying career.”

Auburn Hospital director of nursing and midwifery Kate Murphy said International Nurses and Midwives Day is “a time for those of us privileged to work in this profession to reflect on and remember what motivated us to become a nurse or a midwife.”

“Any nurse or midwife can tell you its a role like no other,” Kate said.

The 40-year veteran and registered nurse said nurses and midwives are the “eyes and ears” for our patients in terms of advocacy and support, ensuring each experience is the best it can be.

Congratulations to the award winners and thank you to all our nursing and midwifery staff for the amazing work you do each and every day!

Auburn Hospital award winners

• Clinical Nurse Consultant role model of the year – Saba Tedla
• Clinical Nurse Specialist role model of the year – Bo Fu
• Nursing Unit Manager Leadership Excellence Award – Naresh Kc
• Registered Nurse role model of the year – Netsai Sibanda
• Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award in Research – Sarah Tapp
• Dominic Cioffi Award Excellence in Education – Clyde Sy
• Assistant in Nursing role model of the year – Cheryl Frost
• Nurse Manager Leadership Excellence Award – Sue Kelly
• Director of Nursing and Midwifery Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice – Debra Smith

Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals award winners

• Excellence in Clinical Leadership – Michelle Nehmer
• Excellence in Education and/or Research – Peta Field
• Excellence in Management – Erwin Alfonso
• Excellence in Clinical Care – Registered Nurse – Karyn Lewis
• Excellence in Clinical Care – Enrolled Nurse – Zeinab Sottani
• Excellence in Clinical Care – Assistant in Nursing – Jacqueline Strickland
• Excellence in Midwifery – Kerrie Weaver Award – Jasmine Wannell
• Excellence in Clinical Care – Student Midwife – Maggie O’Brien
• Nursing and Midwifery Executive Award – Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals IPAC Infection Prevention and Control Team.

Integrated & Community Health award winners

• Nurse/Midwife of the Year – Jasmine Wannell, Aboriginal Maternal Service
• People’s Choice Award – Public Health School Vaccination Team Population Health
• New Graduate of the Year, Fiona Ou, Child and Family Health, Westmead and Auburn Group
• Excellence in Clinical Leadership – Renee Taylor, Chronic And Complex Westmead and Auburn Group
• Innovation Award – Julie Smith, Integrated & Chronic Care Program 

Mental Health award winners

• Mental Health Nurse of The Year – Evangeline Campos, clinical nurse specialist, Hainsworth
• After Hours Nurse Award – Carol Ovalle, after hours nurse manager, Mental Health Services
• Excellence in Leadership and Management – Sarveswari Dharmakumar, Merrylands Acute Community Mental Health Team
• Ward of the Year – Riverview

Westmead Hospital award winners

• Nurse/Midwife of the Year – Donna Robertson
• Outstanding Clinical Leadership – Jason Montgomery
• Outstanding Clinical Teaching – Stephanie Wilcox
• Outstanding Leadership – Kristy Meyers
• Enrolled Nurse or Assistant in Nursing of the Year – Justine Green
• Registered Nurse/Midwife of the Year- Margaret McCaskie
• Transition to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year – Katie Hanlon
• Nursing Team of the Year – B3c Medical Ward

Westmead Hospital general manager Brett Thompson expressed gratitude to the Westmead Association, president Professor Henry Pleass and executive officer Georgette Hanna for organising the staff barbecue to celebrate International Nurses and Midwives Day.

“Happy International Nurses and Midwives Day.  We recognise the great work you do in caring for our patients, their families and carers,” Brett said.

“I’d especially like to thank you for all of the wonderful things you do each and every day.

“The gentle touch, the listening ear, the celebration of new life and the support for those who receive devastating news.

“You’re a fantastic team and should be proud of what you do.”