Inspirational nurses and midwives: the winners

For many frontline staff working in health, caring around the clock is a way of life. Each year we celebrate inspirational nurses and midwives whose dedication doesn’t stop. 

Clockwise from top left: Esther Sadler (left); Bree Connolly (centre); Peter Baldwin (right); Donna McCabe (left); Michelle Strempel (right); Laya Lazar (centre); Nikita McDonald (right, middle image).

As part of International Nurses Day (May 12) and International Day of the Midwife (May 5), we held a competition to acknowledge the dedication of nurses and midwives.

We extended an invitation for peers to nominate an inspirational nurse or midwife who deserved to win one of 16 $100 gift cards, plus morning tea for their respective teams, by describing them and their work in 50 words or less.

Nominations from all corners of the state

We received nominations from across Queensland, stretching from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait to the Gold Coast and west to towns including Roma, Emerald and Mount Isa.

Nurses and midwives nominated were lauded for their compassion and kindness, energy and enthusiasm, and their wiliness to nurture and mentor younger staff members. 

Some were likened to Florence Nightingale, while others were celebrated as bold, problem solvers always willing to bring a positive attitude to challenging situations. 

Passion and compassion shine through

Among those nominated was Laya Lazar, from Cairns Hospital, who was recognised for her work supporting staff, especially graduate nurses.

Also nominated was Esther Sadler, who is based at Thursday Island Hospital, where she is a much-loved member of the nursing staff often described as a “breath of fresh air” with her positive attitude, bedside manner and motivation to learn and work hard.

At Mount Isa Hospital, Michelle Strempel, is seen as a wonderful mentor always willing to take young nurses under her wing teaching the “nursing way”.

Bree Connolly, from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit was nominated for being “the Florence Nightingale of her ward”, where her clinical skills and leadership were described as “exemplary”.

Peter Baldwin, from Toowoomba Hospital, was acknowledged for going “over and above daily to ensure patients were treated with dignity and respect”.

Meanwhile, at Emerald Hospital, Nikita McDonald was thanked for being “an inspiration to her teammates and an asset to our community … bringing a positive attitude and smile … even when things get tough”.

And Donna McCabe, from The Prince Charles Hospital, was lauded for being “one of the best pain nurses” who “just lives for helping people”, always putting patients first.

With so many inspiring nominations, selecting winners was an incredible challenge for our team, but we are delighted to announce the final list of winners for 2024:

Taking care of your future: Your dedication doesn’t stop, nor should your super

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