Territorians are being encouraged to nominate an outstanding nurse or midwife for the 2009 Northern Territory Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
The awards have been held annually since 2004 to recognise the skill and contribution of the Nurses and Midwifes-now totalling more than 2000-employed across the Territory in areas ranging from maternity to aged and disability, hospitals and community health.
All nurses and midwives currently employed in the NT who hold a current practising certificate with the NT Nursing & Midwifery Board are eligible for nomination.
The award categories are Acute Care, Aged Care, General Practice, Community Health, Enrolled Nurse, Graduate of the Year, Mental Health, Midwifery, Remote Health, and Living Legend.
Each category winner also has the opportunity to be considered for the overall 'Nurse or Midwife of the Year' accolade, with an individual trophy and a place in history with an engraving on the perpetual trophy.
Winners from every category will each receive $500 and a certificate of recognition with the overall winner receiving an additional $2000.
Jennifer Byrnes-who has been the Royal Darwin Hospital stomal therapist and wound management consultant for eight years-was the 2008 Nurse of the Year.
Ms Byrnes, "If you know of a nurse or midwife who has demonstrated outstanding qualities in their chosen area of practice or who has made a difference in your life, please show your appreciation by acknowledging their efforts and nominate them for an award."
Winners will be announced on 15 May during a special reception at Parliament House.
Nomination forms are available at www.nursing.nt.gov.au, by emailing nurseawards.ths@nt.gov.au, or by calling (08) 8922 7539.
Nominations close at 3.00 pm on Friday 17 April 2009.
Media enquiries: Darrel Trueman 0401 116 203; Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144
Release date: Tuesday 31 March 2009
