Patient’s unique positivity spurs on a hospital hero
17 October 2023
5
min read
After 16 years helping children diagnosed with cancer, a super hero clinical nurse has been recognised by the patient who reignited her love for the job.
Tasked with looking after some of the sickest children admitted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH), Stacey Pulford is constantly challenged as she helps her patient’s face fear and uncertainty every day.
“I know a lot of people think that paediatric oncology, and nursing especially, are really difficult areas to work in, but I just find it so rewarding. I simply love what I do,” Stacey said.
I do have challenging days but, in context, my patients are always having worse days. My main job isn’t to cure them, but to make their day a little less awful.”
Stacey’s calm approach to the care of her patients has been evident from her first nursing placement, which was where she was initially introduced to paediatric oncology. From there, her career has taken her around Australia in various children and oncology hospitals.
Taj, a young patient who has experienced this passionate care, nominated Stacey to be the latest recipient in Juiced TV’s Super Hero Award, proudly supported by the QSuper team as part of Australian Retirement Trust.
The Super Hero Awards program shines a light on medical and support staff – the doctors, nurses, volunteers and others – who selflessly dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of others.
“Staying upbeat and positive doesn’t always come naturally in this role. Sometimes you have to look to the people and team around you for that spark,” Stacey said.
Young patient helped make clinician better
For Stacey, Taj was a special patient who reignited that spark with his sense of humour and outlook on life.
“When I met Taj at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, I was facing a lot of challenges and questions about my future in this field,” she said.
“In truth, he brought the passion I had back into the role and has made me a better clinician.
“It's taken me 16 years to get to this point where I feel comfortable and happy to be myself in front of these kids and realise that it actually brings positivity to their day – and I have Taj to thank for that,” she said.
Finding power in positive acts
Challenging Stacey with regular good-natured pranks, Taj spurred her into everyday acts of spontaneous joy for her patients. From competitions with younger patients for the most “outrageous outfits” to impromptu manicures post-treatment, Stacey’s positivity has become a part of her identity.
As well as being recognised as Juiced TV and QSuper’s most recent “healthcare hero”, she also received “Children’s Choice” in the QCH 2022 Excellence Awards.
“The most important part of my role beyond making a comfortable environment for my patients is advocating for them. It is all about ensuring that these young people have, as much as possible, the choice and autonomy around their treatment,” Stacey said.
Considering her nomination as a bit of a “stitch up” – given the cheeky nature of her practitioner-patient relationship with Taj – the recognition ultimately filled her with joy to know her appreciation was reciprocated.
“I do what I do because it is the right thing, not because I want to be recognised,” she said.
“Receiving this award from the QSuper team, as part of Australian Retirement Trust, who are looking after my retirement, is pretty special.”
We’re proud to support great program
Australian Retirement Trust CEO Bern Reilly said that as one of Australia's largest super funds, we are proud to help celebrate healthcare practitioners like Stacey who make a positive impact on young patients.
Stacey is the 25th healthcare hero nominee recognised by the QSuper team as part of an Australian Retirement Trust initiative.