Quick changes in a very short time in the job has won Timaru charge nurse manager Olivia Pearson a leadership award.
The South Canterbury District Health Board nurse was nominated by her DHB for the Health Quality & Safety Commission’s Open for Leadership award for the impact she has made to her ward after just three months in the job. Including decluttering the environment to make it safer for patients and staff, and improving the discharge process.
Shelley Frost, the HQSC Board deputy chair and a nurse leader herself, presented the award recently.
“Olivia’s work in her short time as charge nurse manager reflects a real commitment to improvement,” said Frost. “Her motivation is something commented on by all who are involved with her. Even a recent audit singled her out for praise.”
Pearson said she felt overwhelmed being nominated for the award because of the short time she had been in the role.
“It’s wonderful. It’s all in support with the medical ward team,” said Person. “We work really well together and have a strong patient-centred approach, from our discharge planning to our multidisciplinary team involvement; how they all come together and contribute to the everyday running of the ward is a real benefit.”
The awards are given in recognition of health professionals who demonstrate practice excellence, quality improvement and leadership skills. Pearson receives a certificate, trophy and free attendance at an upcoming Commission event of her choice.
