Who is Australia’s best nurse?

Australia’s best nurse will soon be revealed as the 2012 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards finalists were revealed on Monday (23 April 2012).

Now in its sixth year, the awards recognise exceptional nursing professionals in the categories of Nurse of the Year, Graduate of the Year and Innovation in Nursing.

HESTA chief executive, Anne-Marie Corboy, says this year’s finalists were “hand-picked” for their contribution in areas including care for asylum seekers, cancer prevention and fertility education.

Victorian rural aged care visiting nurse, Kerryn Brakels, is one of five Nurse of the Year finalists after being nominated for the title by patient, Bill Thompson.

“These finalists stood out from more than 300 excellent nominations. These nurses are a credit to their profession and an asset to our communities. We are thrilled to honour these exceptional professionals and innovative teams,” Ms Corboy says.

Finalists will be flown to Melbourne for a gala dinner  on 10 May, where the winners will be revealed.

Nurse of the Year and Graduate Nurse of the Year will each receive a $5,000 ME Bank EveryDay Transaction Account and a $5,000 education grant. The Innovation in Nursing winner will receive a $10,000 development grant to enhance or extend their project.

HESTA is one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, with more than 730,000 members.

Visit www.hestaawards.com to book tickets for the event or to learn more about the awards.

Stay tuned for DPS News’ interview with Nurse of the Year finalist Kerryn Brakels to find out how she feels about her nomination.