Top nurse bags award

By Nicole Williams
A DANDENONG nurse with four decades of experience has earned herself the title Nurse of the Year.
Ailsa Tate, triage nurse at St John of God Pinelodge Clinic, was named Catholic Health Australia Nurse of the Year at an awards dinner in Perth on Wednesday 22 August.
It is the first time a psychiatric nurse has received the award.
“I feel incredibly humbled to be nominated and to win,” she said.
“I am tremendously lucky to be working in a job I love, and I’m just part of a team and I have a fantastic support team in all departments that make my job easier.”
Ms Tate started her career as a nurse by training at Royal Park Hospital, and has worked as a mental health nurse with St John of God for 41 years, first in Brighton and now in Dandenong.
She is often the first port of call for a patient in crisis and a former patient of Ms Tate paid tribute to her tireless work.
“I think Ailsa’s interest in my problems and me as a person, has helped me accept that I have needed help and to continue with rebuilding my life,” they said.
“Ailsa seems to have an understanding of what patients need.”
Ms Tate said she liked knowing she could ease people’s mind when first making contact with a psychiatric service.
“My role is a welcoming role and to put people at ease and let them know help is at hand,” she said.
“It can be rewarding to see people come in unwell and to see them improve and go home – this is part of their illness and part of their cycle.”
CHA chief executive officer Martin Laverty said Ms Tate was awarded for her professionalism at putting patients at ease.
“Her presence and openness quickly dispels any misconceptions patients and their families might have about coming into psychiatric services,” he said.
“A positive experience on arrival often underpins a successful engagement and better outcome for the patient.”
The award includes a $5000 grant from Catholic Super to be used for professional development.