A huge congratulations to Emma Goodes, Nurse Unit Manager, our ‘In the Pursuit of Excellence’ STAR Award winner.
(Emma Goodes, holding colleagues’ children.)
The award is given to someone who demonstrates continued improvement in their approach to work, embodying the principles of teamwork and kindness, while making an outstanding contribution to the experience of our people, patients and consumers.
Since the ward opened, Emma has been Nurse Unit Manager of 4B Aviary, a paediatric nursing ward specialising in adolescent medicine and eating disorder management.
“I am fortunate to work with an incredibly talented team on Aviary who strive for excellence with every patient during every interaction,” Emma says. “Proud would be an understatement of how I feel of the Aviary team and it is my privilege to be a part of it. I tell my staff that one person does not create a culture, it is the team that creates the culture. This award is a true reflection of them and they are certainly my heroes.”
Aviary is known for being an incredibly kind and cohesive ward, with exceptional multidisciplinary relationships – and the team credits that reputation to Emma.
“On Aviary the level of collegial respect and support is something I have not experienced before,” says Emma. “I believe this team to be the warmest, most compassionate and welcoming group of people. Whether it be nursing, medical, security, mental health clinicians, schoolteachers, allied health, educators or support staff, everyone is valued and so are their contributions. Being able to address everyone by their name and always saying thank you for their efforts, makes for a meaningful workplace for all.”
Patient safety and quality of care are the highest priority under Emma’s leadership. Bedside handovers are mandatory at every shift change, as well as checking ID and oxygen and safety equipment.
The patient cohort can sometimes be difficult, with a high risk of Occupational Violence and aggression for the nursing team.
Despite the challenges, staff retention on the ward is extremely high. Emma has championed sessions with our Be Well team, where a Monash Health psychologist visits the ward and discusses any difficult cases with the team.
The team on Ward 4B Aviary want to give a huge thank you to Emma, in their own words:
“Emma is the most compassionate, kind, dynamic and intelligent manager you could ask for. No one is scared to ask her a question or ask for help, and she inspires change, growth and accountability. She knows the name of every person who walks onto the ward and she genuinely makes them feel valued for who they are as a person. Aviary would not stand without Emma, and Monash Children’s is extremely grateful to have her. She truly highlights the difference between management and leadership.”
Thank you, Emma, for the excellence you have shown in all that you do!
Remember, you can nominate a colleague or team at any time by heading to the STAR Portal. For more information on the STAR Program, visit the Monash Health COVID-19 website.
Approved by Chris McLoughlin