Nurse recognised for impact on thousands of Queensland families
12 July 2023
5
min read
Assistant in nursing Kelly Judd is the first peer nomination in a longstanding awards program dedicated to celebrating healthcare heroes at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
At the coalface of patient care, Kelly connects with more than 1,400 patients and their families each month and is the first friendly face seen by almost 70 new families each day as they prepare for their child to be admitted for surgery.
Kelly’s history-making recognition makes her the 24th healthcare hero practitioner recognised in the Juiced TV Super Hero Awards, proudly supported by QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust.
Developed by Juiced TV to recognise those in health care, one of the largest bases of QSuper account holders, the Super Hero Awards program aims to shine the light on medical and support staff – the doctors, nurses, volunteers and others – who, like Kelly, selflessly dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of others.
Ray of sunshine recognised by her peers
Unlike her predecessors who were nominated by patients, Kelly’s nomination by her peers was inspired by the little things she does with great enthusiasm.
“Kelly is only a small part of a patient’s whole journey with us, but she is the most crucial and sets the tone for their time with us,” said Kelly’s colleague and QCH surgical administrator Le-Ann Walker.
She is a ray of sunshine and has an uncanny ability to put even the most stressed or anxious children at ease ahead of their procedures.
“One of her quirky ways to engage the patients is to ask the child to show their muscles while taking their blood pressure. Rather than something clinical, she makes it into a bit of a game to measure the size of their muscles and strength. It’s so small, but it gets the whole family grinning.”
Focused on settling young patients' anxiety
The role of an assistant in nursing in surgical administration involves taking initial observations and vitals ahead of surgery – moments when many young patients experience intense anxiety.
“My main goal is to comfort our paediatric patients and their family members through what is often an unfamiliar or stressful environment,” said Kelly.
“As a parent to two grown boys, I always practice empathy and be the person I would want to look after my child in this situation.
“It’s a privilege to take part in setting the tone for their experience in the wards and make their day a little better.”
Honoured to be nominated
Kelly was shocked by her nomination.
“To be recognised as an individual in a much larger team is really special to me. When I think of the impressive healthcare professionals I am surrounded by, I don’t think I am any more deserving than them,” Kelly said.
I love my job and playing my part to have a positive impact on patients day in and day out. I feel honoured to be the next super hero and want to thank Australian Retirement Trust for giving us the opportunity to celebrate our team.”
Le-Ann was glowing in her praise for Kelly’s dedication. “I’ve known Kelly for almost four years, and not a day has gone past when I haven’t noticed her small actions that have made a huge impact on young patients,” said Le-Ann.
“Sitting on the other side of the desk, she doesn’t think we notice what she is doing, but we do. It was so easy to nominate her for this award because we truly believe Kelly is a hero and role model to us.”
ART proud to support healthcare heroes
"As one of Australia's largest super funds, Australian Retirement Trust is proud to help celebrate healthcare practitioners like Kelly who make a positive impact on young patients," Australian Retirement Trust CEO Bernard Reilly said.