April 23, 2019At the recent Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards, Melanie Riseley, Clinical Midwifery Educator, received the award for ‘Excellence in Safety’.
Melanie was nominated by Debra Bourne, CNMO Divisional Director Nursing, Women’s, Children’s, who says Melanie has recognised the importance of improving staff wellbeing, morale and culture within the maternity unit.
“As an educator, she has listened to many staff individually talk to her about workplace stress and issues with work-life balance,” Debra added.
Melanie has been working at Northern Health for eight years as a midwife and feels privileged to have worked with and supported many women and their families from a range of cultural backgrounds, as they transition into the role of parents.
“Moving into the role of Clinical Midwifery Educator in late 2017 has allowed me to not only support women in their journey, but to also support undergraduate and post graduate midwifery students, along with my midwifery colleagues within Northern Health in training, learning and growth,” she said.
Winning the award proved that her aspirations to come to work every day hoping to be a positive role model, as well as a passionate and engaging professional, haven’t gone unnoticed.
“It is so very special when your colleagues see, acknowledge and appreciate the work you are doing to improve care, culture and safety within your work place. I am blessed to work in a profession and work place that presents and encourages so many learning opportunities,” she said.
Debra added that Melanie extensively researched issues around staff wellbeing and improving culture and morale, and has developed a monthly program for the next 12 months focussed on staff wellbeing in the maternity unit.
This in-service education program will focus on multiple strategies to improve staff wellbeing, resilience and self-care.
The topic plan includes mindfulness, positive communication and mental health. Melanie is passionate about creating a happy and supportive work place, where staff are supported and want to come to work. By assisting in creating this environment, her role in educating staff and supporting them, she is able to provide safety, quality and excellence in patient care,” Debra added.
