Newcastle Nurse Marion Hawker joined just 12 other award recipients at the annual Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, where she received the prestigious Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award.
The local Clinical Nurse Consultant was recognised for her 25 year career as a diabetes educator and her instrumental role in developing new ways of providing contemporary care in the community.
The winners were chosen from 43 finalists, across 12 categories ranging from clinical leadership to innovation in research.
"They had awards for all nursing criteria, from enrolled nurses to registered nurses, managers and researchers" said Hawker.
"I think a lifetime achievement award is recognising someone who has had a long career and achieved a lot during that career."
The Clinical Nurse Consultant said she was amazed, humbled and a bit emotional to receive the award at such a prestigious event.
"Its great to be recognised but its also about being a team player and I have a very accomplished and remarkable group of people that I work with."
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard presented the awards to the 2019 winners at the ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday.
"These nurses and midwives go above and beyond to provide excellent care to patients," Mr Hazzard said.
"Some have devoted lifelong careers to healthcare, others are launching their career- and all of the 2019 award winners have made an outstanding contribution to the busiest public health system in Australia."
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| Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, Marion Hawker and Secretary NSW Health Elizabeth Koff. |
