Cue nurse Cathie Gillzan has been named Rural and Remote Enrolled Nurse of the Year at the 2008 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

The awards, run by the Nurses Board of Western Australia, recognise excellence within the nursing and midwifery professions and acknowledge the contribution they make to the community of WA.

Ms Gillzan, who works at the Cue Nursing Post, said she was humbled by the award and the nomination from her colleagues.

“This award is a reflection of the important role of all nurses in rural and remote communities,” Ms Gillzan said.

“I first completed my training as a Mothercraft Nurse at Ngala in 1978 before completing my enrolled nurse training at Narrogin in 1980.
 
“In 2007 I started work at Cue after working in other remote areas such as Christmas Island and the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.” 

Murchison occupational therapist Barbara Jackson and previous Cue shire CEO Brian Seale nominated Ms Gillzan in recognition of her skills, competence and commitment to the health and well being of Cue residents.
 
“Cathie has accepted many new challenges including commencing her enrolled nurse to registered nurse conversion that she has almost completed,” Ms Jackson said.
 
“She is a valued member of the team and the wider Cue and Murchison community.”

WA Country Health Service – Midwest Regional Director Shane Matthews said the award was a positive reflection on staff working in the district.
 
“Cathie’s award demonstrates the high calibre and dedication of the nursing staff we have working here in the Murchison district of the Midwest,” he said.

More than 150 nurses and midwives from across the State had been nominated in 18 awards categories.

The winners were announced at an award ceremony on Saturday 10th May in Perth.