Rachel McEwan’s bedside manner, cultural awareness and communication has been recognised with a top health award for outstanding work.
The Ashburton nurse has received the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Practice award from Heath New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora.
It was a surprise honour for the 25-year nursing veteran, who said she could not do the job on her own, ‘‘it’s a team effort’’.
She was nominated by her manager and colleagues at Ashburton Hospital.
‘‘I don’t do this job to receive awards but it’s really lovely to be recognised for the contribution that we make to the Ashburton community,’’ she said.
The award, presented as part of last month’s International Nurses Day commemorations, is given to a nurse who, among other things, enhanced the patient and whanau journey by proactively demonstrating, and promoting inclusivity and cultural safety for all, as well as consistent clinical excellence by exceptional communication and collaboration with all members of the healthcare team.
In McEwan’s career, the past three years she has been the clinical nurse coordinator for the outpatient department and the endoscopy team at Ashburton Hospital.
‘‘Prior to this I was working in the medical assessment unit at Christchurch Hospital.
‘‘I have also previously worked in the casual pool at Christchurch Hospital … and I have also worked in a cardiothoracic ward and a general medical and infectious diseases ward at Wellington Hospital,’’ McEwan said.
Nursing was not the direction McEwan was headed when she left school; halfway through her first year she decided to change course of study.
‘‘I decided that I really wanted a job where I could make a difference in people’s lives, so I turned to nursing,’’ McEwan said.
She said she found nursing deeply rewarding, as well as challenging but that enabled her to find solutions to problems.
Advocacy is also a key part of what she does.
‘‘I strive to be a strong voice for both the patients I care for and the colleagues I work alongside. Education is also vital in our practice, ensuring patients receive accurate, up-to-date information and that our nursing team stays informed of any new developments.
‘‘Making sure you look after yourself is also important, so you can look after patients and the community. All these elements help make nursing such a meaningful and dynamic career,’’ McEwan said.
