Blue Mountains District Anzac Memorial Hospital staff continue to be recognised for their outstanding commitment to culturally-safe care with emergency department registered nurse, Kasey Wright a finalist for Aboriginal Nurse of the Year in the 2021 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
"I am truly humbled to be nominated. I did not realise the impact I have had as a nurse, so I am truly honoured to be considered," Ms Wright said.
She is a proud Aboriginal woman from Brewarrina, traditional lands of the Ngemba people. She began her career at Blue Mountains Hospital in 2017 as a valued member of the casual workforce before transitioning to a full time role in the emergency department.
She has been described by colleagues as a role model who always demonstrates a passion for her work, as well as being a strong and professional advocate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Using appropriate language and putting the patient first provides comfort to all of her patients.
When asked how she stayed focused working in the busy department, Ms Wright said taking the time to create relationships with her patients is at the forefront.
"I treat each patient with the respect and dignity that I would give to any family member of mine. Each patient deserves the same treatment regardless of their background.
"I believe that it only takes a few moments to let a patient know that they are important, to explain what is going on, and let them know what will happen. This hopefully gives them the ability to trust you ... and become a little more comfortable in an extremely uncomfortable environment."
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is proud to have two nominees in this year's awards with Richard Gilfillan, midwifery educator also nominated for the Judith Meppem Leadership Award.
Winners for the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards will be announced via a virtual ceremony on February 3.
