nurse. midwife. game-changer

Angie Monk’s win at the 2016 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards provided a boost to the entire Joondalup Health Campus in WA.

When Perth-based nurse Angie Monk was named the HESTA Nurse of the Year at the 2016 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards for her development of a blood management program, her win had a ripple effect throughout Ramsay Health’s Joondalup Health Campus.

“Angie’s win had a very positive influence on morale at Joondalup Health Campus – it’s been absolutely inspiring and has created a huge sense of pride here,” says Ben Irish, Director of Clinical Services.

 “Seeing someone in their profession win such a prestigious award inspires others and gives us a collective sense of pride.”

While the award recognises individual excellence, Angie, who is a Blood Management Consultant and Afterhours Clinical Nurse Consultant, is quick to acknowledge her colleagues.

“It’s fabulous that nurses are recognised by national awards, and that HESTA is supporting these awards,” she says.

Reaping the benefits of innovation

Angie’s interest in blood transfusion was sparked after she was involved in the management of a critically bleeding patient. At that time she was working as a Clinical Risk Officer while maintaining a part-time position as an Afterhours Clinical Nurse Consultant.

In 2012 she enrolled at the University of Melbourne and went on to gain a postgraduate certificate in transfusion practice.

It’s an area that is rapidly changing, as Angie explains.

“Scientific evidence over the last 15 years reveals blood transfusions can actually be an independent risk of morbidity and mortality, and should only be used where the benefits outweigh the risk.

“I provide education for patients regarding the need for them to optimise their iron levels before surgery, and ensure treatment is given in a timely manner – well before surgery,” says Angie.

In looking to the future, as well as continuing her current roles, Angie is keen to work in other areas of research and change management.

“I want to continue to work on Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) prevention and promote strategies to ensure the community is made aware of this health risk and begin to ask health professionals what they as patients can do to prevent DVT while they’re in hospital,” says Angie.

And after 20 years at the Joondalup Health Campus and with a prestigious national award under her belt, it's no surprise that Angie plans to continue her career there.

“The staff are very, very supportive of me and the award. I have received cards, flowers, texts, emails and congratulatory hugs in the corridors. The whole hospital is behind me in this award,” she says.