Earlier this month, we came together to celebrate the achievements of our dedicated nursing and midwifery graduates and preceptors at the 2024 Graduation and Preceptor Awards Ceremony.

Proudly presented by the Chief Nursing Midwifery Officer, Lisa Cox, the awards recognised individuals who have demonstrated outstanding growth, compassion and professionalism throughout their clinical practice.

Each recipient was nominated based on Northern Health’s core values – Safe, Kind and Together.

Lisa Cox commended not only the award winners, but also the education teams, preceptors and programs that have supported them on their journey.

“Our graduates and preceptors have shown incredible dedication, collaboration and a true commitment to delivering safe and kind care, a reflection of everything we stand for at Northern Health,” says Annabel Milonas, Director of Education – Nursing and Midwifery, Northern Health.

We proudly congratulate the following 2024 award recipients:

• Enrolled Nurse of the Year – Samantha Morrell

• Mari Stewart Graduate Nurse of the Year – Amelia Summerton

• Nicole Browne Preceptor of the Year – Katelyn Roberts

• Danielle Waddell STEP of the Year – Jiani Zhu

• Postgraduate of the Year – Ashlea Merlo

Each of these awardees has demonstrated not only clinical excellence, but also qualities that inspire those around them, collaboration, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to patient-centred care.

At Northern Health, Graduate Programs play an essential role in nurturing the next generation of nurses and midwives.

In 2024, the program supported 154 newly registered nurses and midwives, helping them transition from student to practitioner.

Under the guidance of our dedicated nurse midwifery education team and clinical preceptors, graduates developed confidence in their skills and embedded theory into practice.

In 2024, 76 staff members successfully completed formal Postgraduate studies across 16 specialty areas, in collaboration with our university partners.

These programs ensure staff are well-prepared to deliver advanced, high-quality care within their chosen specialties.

Additionally, 53 staff graduated from the Supported Transition to Excellence in Practice (STEP) programs, across six specialty areas.

STEP provides staff with the opportunity to build foundational specialty skills and knowledge, preparing them for future postgraduate-level studies and clinical roles.

Congratulations to all our 2024 graduands!

Your commitment to lifelong learning and delivering excellent care is what makes Northern Health a place where staff grow, patients thrive, and care is delivered with heart.