For Nurse Manager Michael Schilling, a great leader in healthcare is simply someone who takes the time to lead.
“In these operational roles, there’s a lot of background work to do like risk management and quality plans, but it’s someone who really understands the importance of investing in people and making the time to lead that makes a great leader,” he said.
This is just one of the many reasons why Michael, the Nurse Manager of the Reef Children’s Cancer Centre at Monash Children’s Hospital was awarded the 2023 Nurse of the Year and Emerging Leader awards at Monash Health’s 17th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Awards and Scholarships (NAMAS).
Michael said he was so shocked when he was announced as 2023 Nurse of the Year that when he got on stage, he had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.
“I was in a bit of disbelief, and it was a little surreal, I didn’t have an inkling or an idea I was going to win any of these awards because there are so many great leaders and nurses at Monash Health,” he said.
Having worked at Monash Health since 2014, Michael was chosen as the recipient for both prestigious awards due to his outstanding commitment to leading his team during turbulent and challenging times.
He was also commended for his focus on delivering patient-centred care, innovation, quality improvement, team education, growth, and creating a safe environment for all.
“My favourite part about working with this team was doing the background work to enable them to thrive in the specialty they love, and seeing good patient experiences and outcomes due to the systems we put in place to improve the quality of care.” Michael said.
In the profession, Michael said a sometimes overlooked yet very important characteristic in a nurse was the ability to advocate passionately for your patient.
In terms of being a nurse, Michael said many members of the public didn’t understand what it truly meant to be one.
“A lot of people don’t know the scope of a nurse and the pathways nurses can take in their careers – there’s endless opportunities and directions from operational, educational to clinical.”
Congratulations once more to Michael for his well-deserved recognition!
