03 Nov 2008

The lives of countless families and individuals have been touched by the care, compassion and professionalism of Australian nurses: it’s time to acknowledge the best.

Nominations for the 2009 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards, which will see $25,000 prize money awarded across three categories of excellence at a gala event in Melbourne on May 14 next year, have now opened.

HESTA Chief Executive Officer Anne-Marie Corboy said that despite the affection and respect felt for nurses, there were few opportunities to formally recognise those who excelled in this critical and demanding occupation.

“Everyone who has spent time in a medical facility, whether as a patient or as an anxious relative or friend, knows just how important our nurses are,” Ms Corboy said.

“They provide not just the personal care, but also the personal connection in an environment which by its very nature can be unsettling and intimidating.

“In the wake of a medical crisis or even a routine procedure we so often talk about the nurses who cared for us being ‘worth their weight in gold’ — but we rarely get the chance to publicly applaud them.

“That’s why we’re delighted to once again make it possible to do just that through the 2009 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards.”

Registered and enrolled nurses, midwives, personal care attendants and assistants in nursing can be nominated in the categories of Innovation in Nursing ($10,000 development grant), Graduate Nurse of the Year ($2,500 travel and $2,500 education grants) and Nurse of the Year ($5,000 travel and $5,000 education grants).

The prizes are proudly supported by Members Equity Bank.

“These awards have in recent years attracted as many as 700 nominations,” Ms Corboy said.

“The task of narrowing such a big field of nominees down to a small group of state finalists, and ultimately winners, is a huge challenge — but one our judging panel feels honoured to be charged with. Many moving and inspiring stories are shared along the way.

“I urge people around Australia to get online now and nominate the nurse, or nurses, who have made the biggest impact on their lives.”

To nominate a nurse for this year’s awards simply visit www.hestanursingawards.com

HESTA is the industry superannuation fund for health and community services.

*Please note: interviews with past winners can be arranged on request.

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