THE search is on for Australia's most exceptional nurses and midwives with the opening of nominations for the 2022 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards.
The national awards recognise the nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers and personal care workers who are improving health outcomes by providing outstanding care and support for Australians in need.
HESTA Chief executive Debby Blakey said nurses and midwives have been essential to keeping communities healthy and safe, particularly as the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Nurses and midwives have been so critical to our ongoing recovery from COVID-19. We wouldn't be where we are today without them," Ms Blakey said.
"The positive impact they have had, and will continue to have, on patients' lives is humbling. HESTA is truly honoured to help recognise these wonderful and dedicated professionals and help share their stories.
"I encourage all Australians to consider submitting a nomination and help show support for nurses and midwives and their achievements."
Employers, colleagues and patients have until February 6, 2022 to nominate a nursing or midwifery professional who has demonstrated leadership, innovation and pursued excellence to deliver high-quality patient care.
The 2021 winner was Gynaecological Cancer Nurse Practitioner Shannon Philp of the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery and the University of Sydney
Longstanding Awards supporter, ME - the bank for you, is providing the $30,000 prize pool, to be split equally between the winners of each category - Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year and Outstanding Organisation.
"Nurses, midwives, personal care workers and those who train them are pivotal to the nation, and we have been reminded of that now more than ever as the COVID-19 pandemic continues on," ME chief executive Martine Jager said.
Finalists will be announced on April 12, 2022 and winners revealed at the awards ceremony in Melbourne on May 19, 2022, pending COVID-19 safety restrictions.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit hestawards.com.au