Australian Nursing Awards - Nominate Nurses for National Honors

Introduction

If you know an outstanding nurse or midwife who deserves to be honoured, now is the time to nominate them for the 10th annual HESTA Australian Nursing Awards.

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The annual Awards recognise graduates, individuals and teams for their professionalism, innovation and care, across a range of health settings.

Nominations are being sought from colleagues, patients and employers and are open until 11 March 2016.

HESTA CEO, Debby Blakey, said the Awards shine a spotlight on the vital work carried out by nursing professionals, often in difficult circumstances.

"Every year I'm inspired by the nominations we receive that detail the amazing work of nursing professionals that are making a difference to the lives of so many Australians," Ms Blakey said.

"The Awards are a way of acknowledging individuals and teams who provide exceptional care, and are also an opportunity to highlight innovations that lead to improvements in clinical practice and improved patient care."

ME are a longstanding Awards-supporter, with the bank generously providing the $30,000 prize pool, to be divided among the winners in three award categories - Nurse of the Year, Outstanding Graduate and Team Excellence.

Winners will receive $10,000 in a ME Everyday Transaction account towards further education or team development.

The Team Excellence Award winner will receive a $10,000 development grant to take their program or initiative to the next level.

2015 Team Innovation Award winner, Homeless Healthcare (Mobile GP) is a mobile nurse team delivering vital health services to homeless and disadvantaged people at various Perth locations. They used their $10,000 development grant to fit out a van the team uses to provide healthcare services to patients as part of the Street Health outreach program.

Team Leader, Sarah Ravine, said the team of nurses provide treatment to people who may otherwise not access healthcare for a range of reasons.

"We see patients regularly, have an awesome relationship with them and they appreciate the service that we give - it's the best nursing job I've ever had - you genuinely get to help people," Sarah said.

Homeless Healthcare features in a new HESTA television campaign highlighting the great work of finalists from the HESTA Awards Program. See more about Sarah and the inspiring work of the Homeless Healthcare team at www.hesta.com.au/member-stories.html

The honour roll for 2015 also included New South Wales nurse, Catrin Dittmar - recognised for her resilience and resourcefulness in keeping aged care residents safe during a severe storm. And, Victorian nurse Narelle Place has shown she's a future nursing leader. She was named Outstanding Graduate for demonstrating leadership and courage while advancing patient labelling on intravenous medication and for her strong patient advocacy leading to improved practices at Barwon Health's Geelong Hospital.

The 2016 finalists will be announced in April and interstate finalists will be flown to Melbourne for the Awards dinner on 12 May - International Nurses' Day.

Make a nomination or learn more at www.hestaawards.com