The Maryborough Hospital Ward 2 team were treated to a delicious morning tea after winning the QSuper “Super care deserves monster thanks” competition.
A campaign celebrating nurses and midwives who go the extra mile for patients, colleagues and their communities has shone a spotlight on the exceptional care provided by Maryborough Hospital's Ward 2 team, with several nurses recognised for their outstanding efforts.
Each year, QSuper (part of Australian Retirement Trust) organises a competition to celebrate the extraordinary contribution nurses and midwives make to Queensland communities as part of International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day.
Nurses and midwives can either nominate themselves or be nominated by a colleague who believes they deserve recognition.
After reflecting on their experiences since they commenced working on Ward 2 and the pressures nurses face in their day-to-day roles, Evelyn Ohnesorgen and Jodie Downman joked about how the team deserved someone to give them morning tea for a change to boost morale. That’s when they decided to submit a nomination in the QSuper campaign “Super care deserves monster thanks”.
“On our ward we have a great mix of staff from clinical nurses, registered nurses, and enrolled nurses who bring much knowledge to our team,” Evelyn said.
“We have our nurses who jump in to help everyone, who help our newer nurses to thrive, and those who, no matter what the shift is like, will make it a good one.
“We work together, supporting each other even during our worst shifts and that’s what makes a great team.
“We thought the team deserved the recognition and this was a good opportunity to demonstrate that by winning a morning tea – after all, food is the path to a nurse’s heart!”
QSuper Regional Manager Amanda Kirkwood said the "Super care deserves monster thanks” competition is QSuper's way of giving back to the nurses and midwives who dedicate their careers to caring for others.
As well as recognising and thanking nurses and midwives who go above and beyond, it’s designed to celebrate the vital role healthcare professionals play across Queensland and provide Hospital and Health Services, healthcare facilities and colleagues with an opportunity to acknowledge outstanding staff.
“This year across Queensland we received 647 nominations with 63 from the Wide Bay,” Amanda said.
“Sixteen prize packs were on offer including a $100 gift card or hamper for the winner and a morning tea for the winner’s team to share in the celebration.
“We congratulate the Ward 2 team whose nomination felt like it had the elements of a strong winner because it highlighted teamwork, resilience, support, and a positive workplace culture.”
Receiving the news that their nomination was successful was a great morale boost for the staff who were excited about getting the recognition they deserved.
“This award is for all those who have seen their roughest days on Ward 2, made it through and will continue to do so, no matter what gets thrown at us,” Evelyn said.
“We have a strong cohesive team and when one of us leaves, it hits hard. It’s like a family member moving away.”
Working as Acting Nurse Unit Manager at the time of submitting the nomination, Jodi said she was incredibly proud of the Ward 2 team.
“This award reflects the compassion, resilience and teamwork our nurses demonstrate every day, and it is a privilege to work alongside a team that consistently works towards putting patients and each other first.”