Mount Isa Hospital registered nurse Nicole Baylis has been recognised as the Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing/Midwifery of the Year at the annual Northern Territory Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

Ms. Baylis was commended for her high level of enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and for providing safe and responsive care while working as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) at Katherine Hospital.

Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan said it was wonderful to see Ms. Baylis recognised for her dedication and promise to the nursing profession.

“We congratulate Ms. Baylis on this outstanding achievement and are delighted that she is a part of our nursing workforce at the Mount Isa Hospital,” he said.

“North West HHS has increasingly gained a reputation as a preferred training ground for new graduates, with unique learning and career opportunities in the region.

“Ms. Baylis is a reflection of the high calibre of nursing staff choosing to work in our rural and remote region, progressing their careers while provide high-quality healthcare to our communities.”

Ms Baylis grew up in the Northern Territory and studied nursing in New South Wales, before returning home during the COVID-19 pandemic. She completed her studies while working as an AIN at Katherine Hospital, before accepting a nursing graduate position at the Mount Isa Hospital.

“My favourite part of nursing and particularly with remote area nursing is building rapport with patients. I feel it is an extremely important component to increasing health compliance and improving health outcomes,” she said.

“Being from a rural background, I love the lifestyle and the community atmosphere here in Mount Isa. While rural nursing has its challenges with limited resources and isolation, the work you do is so rewarding and makes it all worth it.”

North West HHS congratulates Ms. Baylis on this achievement and looks forward to continuing to support the growth and success of all nursing graduates working in the North West.