A Hervey Bay nurse’s dedication to caring for seniors in her community could see her win a major industry award.
Samantha Brady, who works for Carinity Home Care Hervey Bay, is a finalist for the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) Professional Practice Awards. The 28-year-old is one of the three finalists for the Early Career Award category of the annual state-wide honours.
The award recognises nurses or midwives, with less than three years’ experience in their role, who demonstrate ongoing commitment to their own and others’ professional development and dedication to delivering quality care for patients.
Samantha, a Registered Nurse, provides in-home care for seniors around the Fraser Coast area.
“As a nurse, I complete wound care, clinical assessments, continence assessments, and make sure the carers in our team are trained correctly. I also provide any other nursing assistance or guidance for carers,” Samantha said.
“Carinity Home Care Hervey Bay is a great little team which works together and communicates to provide the best care we can to all our clients. I am glad I was given the opportunity to work here – it’s given me the chance to fulfil my dreams and goals.”
Prior to commencing with Carinity Home Care in 2019, Samantha worked at a GP clinic and then at a hospital but she “wanted to help those at home”.
“Often things that caused the elderly to be in hospital could have been prevented with the right assistance in the home. I made it my mission to try and make sure seniors can remain living in their home as long as possible and as safely as possible,” she said.
“I love everything about my role and being able to make my clients happy. It feels amazing to support as many seniors as possible in their homes. I even had one client call me Dr. Sam as I managed to get her wound healed when others struggled.”
According to Samantha’s supervisor, Carinity Home Care Hervey Bay Lifestyle Coordinator Carlee Dreyer, Samantha is always prepared to go above and beyond in her care of the elderly.
“Sam will go the extra mile for clients, particularly if she feels the health system isn’t providing adequate support to the older person. It’s a wonderful experience for us to see a young person on her special journey, encouraging her and watching her career path blossom and evolve,” Carlee said.
The QNMU Professional Practice Awards feature a total prize pool of $20,000, which is used for professional development for the winners.
“It would be amazing to win the award so I am able to complete further study in areas that will be of great benefit for community care, and allowing the elderly to stay in their home,” Samantha said.
Members of the public can vote for Samantha in the People’s Choice Award at the QNMU Awards website.
