Judi Turner knew she had to nominate colleague Karen Coyle for the Excellence in Rural and Remote Health Award at the 2017 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards (WANMEA) after witnessing the way she implemented and managed the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) in Broome.
When Ms Coyle won, Mrs Turner, Clinical Midwife in the Wheatbelt Midwifery Group Practice, was not surprised.
“I felt Karen needed nominating in recognition of the quality of expertise and care that she exemplified; it takes great leadership to inspire others to also achieve great things,” she said.
“The introduction of the MGP was a big change and required effort in building up support from the local midwives and hospital medical staff.
“Once the Project Officer role was complete, Karen became one of the MGP midwives, providing woman-centred, culturally appropriate care that demonstrated best practice.
“Early in 2016, she took on the role of Acting Clinical Midwifery Manager, overseeing the MGP, maternity ward, antenatal clinics, neonatal unit and paediatric ward in an inclusive, approachable way.
While the WANMEA is a great opportunity to tell the story of an outstanding nurse or midwife and have their efforts appreciated by the wider community, it is also a rewarding experience for the nominator.
“I got a huge sense of satisfaction in nominating Karen for the Award. It is so rewarding as a nominator to see a colleague who you know has gone that extra mile being recognised by their peers,” Mrs Turner said.
“It was a real challenge to get across to the panel what a great job she had done and continues to do.
“When I asked Karen for her CV, she told me ‘you don’t need to do that!’ – Red rag to the bull – I couldn’t stop then!”
If you know an excellent nurse or midwife working in country WA, nominate them for the Excellence in Rural and Remote Health Award at the 2018 Western Australian Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
Nominations close: 5.00pm Monday, 11 December.
To nominate, visit WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards (external site) or call 9222 2308.
Nurses or midwives from any sector of the health system can be nominated in 11 General Categories, the public can nominate staff for the Consumer Appreciation Award (external site).
Finalists will be announced at a cocktail party on Friday 9 March 2018, and winners revealed at a gala dinner on Saturday 12 May 2018.