Award for nursing leader

By Rebecca Fraser
EVER since she was a child Sandra McGuire had wanted to become a nurse and make a difference.
In 1980 this desire became a reality and ever since the Endeavour Hills mother of two has shared her passion for nursing with countless patients and families.
The dedicated nursing coordinator at Casey Hospital was recently recognised for her tireless efforts when her work colleagues nominated her for a national nursing award.
On Sunday, Ms McGuire flew to Brisbane after being named one of the four finalists for the National Care Award as part of the 2006 Australian Nursing Awards.
The event signalled the start of International Nurses’ Week and the special ceremony was held at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Her team nominated Ms McGuire as an exceptional role model with outstanding clinical skills, an innovative approach to developing new processes of care, compassion and integrity and the ability to motivate high performance.
Casey Hospital aged care consultant Pamela Hegarty said Ms McGuire inspired her team to be the best they could be by supporting them all to be brave enough to think outside the square and to put patients first.
“At times her total dedication and commitment has been a tough act to follow. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she always makes time for people, even when there is no time,” she said.
Ms McGuire was part of the project team that commissioned the new Casey Hospital.
She moved to Australia from Scotland in 1986 and worked at Dandenong Hospital before transferring to Berwick.
Ms McGuire said one of her nursing highlights had been watching the first patient walk through the door at Casey Hospital.
During her time at the Kangan Drive hospital Ms McGuire has developed an innovative bed management practice that allows direct admission of known palliative care patients to medical beds without having to be treated in the emergency department first.
But Ms McGuire said the difficult nursing experiences were forever etched in her memory.
“When patients are dying you really get to know the family members and share the journey with them.”
She said one instance was when she cared for a man in his early 20s after he attempted to commit suicide.
Tragically he died from his injuries months later and Ms McGuire said he shared the best and worst of this period with his family.
Ms McGuire said the nomination had taken her completely by surprise and said she was honoured and thrilled with the nomination.
Unfortunately, Ms McGuire’s husband was overseas for the awards ceremony but she said he was also very happy with her nomination. Ms McGuire did not win the award but said she felt very special to be nominated. “It is a huge honour,” she said. “I had no idea I was nominated and it was kept very quiet.”