I am a Registered Nurse and Midwife, and I have been working as a Midwife at St John of God Hospital, Geelong, Victoria, for the past 25 years. Forty years ago I commenced my training to be a Nurse, and years later I still love that every day is different, constantly filled with meeting different people, facing new challenges, days filled with laughter and happiness and at times tears, treasured friendships and wonderful memories. My highlight in my current career is the the amazing, supportive team I work with every day at St John of God. I am excited that I was nominated by one of our Obstetricians for this award, as it displays an appreciation for our wonderful team of midwives, and that our dedication and care to patients and colleagues is noted. I love every aspect of Midwifery and embrace I have been given the opportunity to be involved in so many areas in our unit. In Maternity Admissions, is a opportunity to welcome our new mothers, offer advice and support for the coming months. In my role as Childbirth Educator it is so rewarding, seeing couples arrive apprehensive and leave positive, excited and reassured. It is a privilege to care for a couple in Birthing Suite and witnessing the joy as they meet their precious baby. On the Postnatal ward, the joys and challenges of helping them rest, recover and prepare for going home with a new baby. As a Administrator on our SJOG Antenatal Connection Facebook, the aim is to help overcome isolation of Covid19, giving a personal community feel to SJOG expecting mothers so they can exchange posts, ask questions and receive updates. Covid19 has made nurses this year step out of their boundaries and reach forward. Due to restricted visitors I am a strong advocate to remind everyone to capture our new families daily special moments on camera so parents can relive the highlights with their family once home and bridge the gap. My portfolio at SJOG is Stillbirth, providing parents faced with the devastating loss their baby and the caregivers the support, comfort, knowledge and guidance to make informed decisions. I am focused on the importance of presentation when preserving precious memories and treasured mementos which are so cherished and in may cases is the only reality their beautiful baby existed. I am a member of the working party for Decreased Fetal Movement Guidelines at SJOG, to increase every mother's awareness of their baby’s movements and to recognise and act if the pattern changes. I love that my variety of roles allows me to keep educating and supporting our mothers for positive outcomes. Working as a midwife and being part of an amazing team every day is my dream job!
