The Health Quality and Safety Commission’s Open for Leadership Awards are given out monthly to DHBs around the country – two a month from February to November.
Each month two DHBs are asked to put forward one candidate in the first five years of their career or clinical practice, who has shown clear emerging leadership qualities and made a difference to patient care.
Six nominations were received by the Hauora Tairawhiti Board. One of the nominees will receive an Open for Leadership Award trophy, funding for training of their choice and national recognition.
One of Hauora Tairāwhiti’s nominees is profiled below.
Health Quality and Safety Commission Open for Leadership Award nominee, Rehab Assistant Nicki Blair
Setting a good example and always supporting new students has earned Nicki Blair an HQSC Emerging Leader nomination.
The Rehabilitation Assistant will have worked at Gisborne Hospital for five years in September.
She says she was “blown away”, when she learned she had been nominated by Senior Inpatient Occupational Therapist Debbie Kirkpatrick.
“It is pretty amazing, you do not realise how much people think about you, do you? I love this job. It’s extremely rewarding and I like making people feel better. Thank you very much, I feel honoured.”
Debbie says Nicki demonstrates leadership qualities and best practice every day she is at work.
“She teaches students and helps with orienting new staff and the practical tasks that they need to perform. Nicki does this as part of her daily workload in the care of her patients.
“Although she probably doesn’t see herself in a leadership role, she demonstrates leadership qualities every day in the way she carries out her duties, with students observing her working.”
Debbie says the way Nicki shows respect and communicates with the patients in her care, is a very good example to those who are watching and learning from her.
“She provides a very high standard of care.”