Melinda Kant named 2025 Nurse of the Year

From childhood dreams of nursing to leading a groundbreaking unit at Monash Health, Nurse Manager Melinda (Mel) Kant’s journey has come full circle — and now she’s been named Monash Health’s Nurse of the Year and Exemplary Leadership in Nursing at the Nursing and Midwifery Awards and Scholarships (NAMAS), a testament to her vision, leadership, and heart.

Mel, who joined Monash Health as a graduate nurse in 2009, says her passion for nursing began early. 

‘I grew up wanting to be a nurse,’ she says ‘I used to watch medical TV shows like All Saints and Grey’s Anatomy. They may have glamourised the job, I always knew I wanted to help people.’

Mel started on Ward 44 as a respiratory nurse before becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Clinical Support Nurse. In 2022, she was appointed Associate Nurse Unit Manager and, by 2023, had stepped into the Nurse Manager role.

Since taking on the role, Mel has transformed Ward 32, establishing a full nursing team, ensuring team members were High Acute Nursing Unit (HANU) and telemetry trained, and overseeing major refurbishments, including upgraded HANU beds, an employee wellbeing space, and a patient and family lounge. Her tireless work has created a ward culture built on excellence, support, and innovation.

Colleagues describe Mel as energetic, approachable, and deeply committed to Monash Health values. Under her leadership, Ward 32 has become a sought-after unit, with team members inspired to pursue postgraduate study and long-term growth.

Mel’s award recognises not just her clinical capability but her ability to build strong, values-driven teams.

‘Mentoring junior nurses and building a culture of growth has always been a priority for me,’ she said. ‘Winning this award — I was completely shocked. There are so many leaders at Monash Health who deserve recognition. I feel incredibly humbled and proud. It’s an honour to be named Nurse of the Year.’

For Mel, being a nurse is about helping people. ‘It’s about supporting people through their hardest, scariest days, and being someone who can support and brighten those moments.’

She describes her team as a second family‘You go through a lot together, some of it can be traumatic, but that’s where the bonds are built. Ward 32 is a big family. The people I work with care deeply for each other and for our patients.’

Reflecting on her career, Mel credits those around her. ‘So much of my life goes into my work, but I couldn’t be the nurse and leader I am without the support of my family, friends, and colleagues. I learn so much from them — I’m always learning.’

To her mentors and leaders, she adds: ‘Thank you for believing in me. I was new and inexperienced when I started this role, and you took a chance on me. Your support and mentorship made all the difference.’

And her message to other nurses? ‘There’s always change in healthcare, and it can feel scary. But don’t let that stop you. Stay true to your dreams and goals. You can get to where you want to be.’

Melinda Kant, Nurse Manager, Ward 32, MMC, Monash Health.
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