Each year, the Nursing and Midwifery Awards and Scholarships (NAMAS) bring the Monash Health community together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our dedicated nurses and midwives.
The night, themed “Glitz and Glamour,” is filled with celebration, recognition, and appreciation, featuring a three-course sit-down meal, entertainment, and dancing.
Among the highlights of this year’s event was the recognition of Courtney McFarlane, winner of the Foundations of Care Award and the prestigious 2024 Nurse of the Year award, which includes a generous scholarship from Monash Health Foundation for professional development activities over the coming year.
Courtney’s journey with Monash Health began in April 2023, when she commenced her role as one of our two Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs). In this role, she has become a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, working tirelessly across all Monash Health sites and community services to ensure they receive the healthcare they need. Courtney’s dedication and advocacy have set her apart, earning her the highest accolades in our nursing community.
About receiving the award, Courtney said she was shocked.
“I don’t do my role for the accolades – I was humbled.”
Courtney’s passion for her work is inspiring and has not gone unnoticed by those around her. Matthew Yates, Head of the Centre for Developmental Disability Health nominated Courtney for the awards, citing her back-to-basics approach.
“Courtney has an absolute focus on ‘let’s get the fundamentals right’ with the right people in the room,” he says.
“Understanding the big picture: that’s Courtney to a tee.”
Courtney’s role involves assisting health professionals to deliver high-quality care to patients with challenging behaviours, high levels of anxiety, and complex circumstances. Working with patients from pre-admission, in hospital, and the return home, Courtney coordinates care within the hospital and Community Care, and pays credit to all the nurses she works with.
“Working on the floor with nurses, that’s where the magic happens,” she says.
“They’re amazing nurses.”
Courtney’s philosophy of “doing the basics well ” underscores her approach to nursing.
“When first becoming a registered nurse, my focus was learning those basic skills first. That comes through conversations. I then deliver care around that.”
She prioritises communication and relationship-building with her patients, families and carers to fully understand their needs. For many individuals with disabilities, anxiety about healthcare can be a significant barrier. Courtney’s efforts to “understand the person” helps to calm and reassure patients, improving their engagement with healthcare services, which in some cases, can prevent readmission.
Courtney’s exceptional assessment skills are fundamental in addressing the needs of people with disabilities, often living in complex social circumstances. Courtney supports individuals on a personal level, whether by facilitating access to healthcare, advocating on their behalf, or helping to implement social supports.
Her natural ability to build relationships has been instrumental in not only assisting patients but also in enhancing the capabilities of healthcare teams for the future. Her dedication has made a significant difference across our teams, contributing to our organisation’s disability confidence and competence.
As is Courtney’s selfless nature, she insists that this is an award for the team, and the work of the Centre for Developmental Disability Health.
“It’s exciting to have disability support in the forefront of people’s minds,” she says.
“When people learn about Disability Liaison Officers and what we do, they’re really appreciative.”
In honouring Courtney as Nurse of the Year, we celebrate her unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing care. Courtney’s work exemplifies the core values of Monash Health and serves as an inspiration to us all.
Congratulations, Courtney, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your outstanding contributions to Monash Health and our community.
