Sunshine Coast Health has celebrated some of its top nurses and midwives, as part of celebrations for International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife last week.
Teagan Wood who works on the Stoke and Neurological Unit was shocked to be named the hospital and health service’s Nurse of the Year.
“There’s always people doing amazing things and it’s a privilege to work amongst them let alone be [recognised as] one of them is amazing,” she said.
Teagan originally worked as a paralegal, but always knew she wanted to be a nurse – and winning this award just five years into her nursing careers shows she made the right choice.
“It’s just a privilege to provide that care in an environment that can be so stressful,” Teagan said.
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Lisa Newport said Teagan recently stepped up to an acting leadership role and has shown professionalism, confidence and grace, establishing herself as a role model and transformative leader.
“Teagan’s inclusive leadership style and solution focused approach prioritises compassion, person-centred care, staff advocacy and mentorship, while she also empowers novice nurses to grow their confidence and capability,” Lisa said.
She’s also known for getting a laugh out of her patients and colleagues, adding a dash of joy for everyone on the ward.
Teagan said the Stroke and Neurological Unit has its challenges, but it’s rewarding to either see people recover throughout their rehabilitation journey, or to help patients face end of life care with dignity.
A humble winner, Teagan was quick to share the spotlight with her team.
“Our team is the best, we work so well together and we work collectively with the multidisciplinary team.”
The Midwife of the Year title went to Midwifery Group Practice Clinical Midwife Sarah Handby, who has been instrumental in the Publicly Funded Homebirth program launched on the Sunshine Coast last year.
She said a career highlight was being a midwife at the very first birth under the program.
“We’ve worked really hard to get it up and running and it’s been amazing to be part of that bigger community of the obstetricians and the leaders and pharmacy and all the midwives,” Sarah said.
Sarah started out as a nurse but switched to midwifery 24 years ago.
She said while she loves looking after sick people, the maternity ward is really the happiest part of the hospital.
“To be there to welcome babies into the world and to guide women becoming mothers and to be there when families become bigger families, it’s a real privilege,” she said.
While she hasn’t always kept count, she estimates she’s helped bring about 1000 babies into the world, and said it’s a special experience every single time.
“My favourite part is watching women become mothers and men become fathers, and negotiating that big role and change in life.”
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Lisa Newport said Sarah’s impact on the homebirth program is a testament to her advocacy in expanding access to safe and personalised maternity care.
“She cares for women with compassion and respect, and supports them to make informed choices."
“Sarah creates safe spaces for families, offers collaborative care and prioritises the voices of people giving birth.”
The Nursing and Midwifery Annual Recognition Awards were held last week, between International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day.
“We received more than 100 nominations, and we know this only scratches the surface of the amazing work our teams perform every day,” Lisa said.
“All of our nurses and midwives show outstanding commitment to their profession every day and I’m so proud of the way they support our community with compassion and integrity.”