A Western Australian aged care nurse has been recognised for her work and contribution at last week’s 2023 WA Nursing & Midwifery Excellence Awards.
Sharon Maitland is the Service Manager of Amana Living’s Wearne House in Mandurah and won the Consumer Appreciation Award at the gala ball at Crown Perth for her dedication to caregiving.
After starting as a graduate nurse in 2002, Ms Maitland has been in the Service Manager role since 2007.
Ms Maitland said she was inspired by her mother to choose a career in nursing and now has a group of almost 50 clients that have become family.
“I love my job for many reasons […] I work with the most incredible people who never cease to amaze me with how much they give, no matter what role they work in.”
It was Leng Saw, whose parents and mother-in-law have all lived at Wearne House, who nominated Sharon for the award.
“Sharon inspires her staff to do their best every day. She is loving, caring, diligent, compassionate, involved, and persevering,” he said.
“I thank our lucky stars that my parents and mother-in-law are cared for by Sharon and her team.”
Enrolled Nurse, Pamela Nyironga of Juniper Aged Care, received the award under the Excellence in Residential Care category.
Pamela works at the facility’s Mt Lawley home and ensures that the care provided is unique and person-centred.
“Pamela leads by example for her co-workers and makes sure they receive the appropriate training and support to continuously raise and maintain the quality of residents’ lives. After Pamela finishes her shifts, she makes time with her co-workers to ensure they are comfortable and confident in delivering high-quality care while she isn’t there,” said Juniper Aged Care.
The awards – now in its 19th year – recognises more than 43,000 highly skilled nursing and midwifery workers across the State in public, private and non-Government sectors.
Nominations for the 2024 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards are now open and will close Monday December 11, 2023. For more information, visit the awards’ website here.