Publish date: 15 May 2024
Congratulations to Bethanie’s Clinical Nurse Manager Perri Waddell, who was recognised as the WA Nurse of the Year at this weekend’s WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards. Perri was also presented with the Excellence in Residential Care award.
As a dedicated career nurse with a deep love for aged care, Perri is most delighted that the speciality has been recognised for its significance.
“Aged care nursing is as important as any other nursing career,” Perri said.
“This award is for every nurse working in the sector; having their valuable work recognised is essential.”
In her award submission she was described as continually going above and beyond to ensure that residents are treated with respect, and provided with choice on how their care is delivered. With no deadlines or task-oriented work patterns, Perri advocates for focus on the resident and the need of the individual.
“Perri leads by example at Bethanie Dalyellup, where she was instrumental in the sites commissioning, and has built a team of engaged and dedicated nurses and careworkers,” said Roulé Jones, CEO (Interim).
“Perri has d edicated her career to aged care; to personally building her knowledge and experience, to providing excellent care to her residents, and to training and coaching her team.”
Dalyellup, and Bethanie, are so lucky to have Perri’s skill and capability in house. She leads by example every day to ensure residents are continually at the centre of every decision.
“By focussing on the individual, Perri is recognising each resident and what will benefit their own wellbeing.
“They are not rushed, nor kept to a strict schedule; rather encouraged and respected to choose their own preferences throughout the day.”
For Perri, she credits the residents for making her the nurse she is. “We are all living on the back of their efforts, and they are with us at their most vulnerable.
“They deserve the very best support at this time of their lives; holistic and personalised care is best practice.”
Watch Perri on Channel 7 here
