WA Health nurse recognised at NAIDOC Perth celebrations
WA Health nurse Rodney Monaghan is this year's worthy recipient of the WA Nursing and Midwifery Office's state award named after a leader and role model, Rhonda Marriott. This award recognises the innovation, achievement and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives to the WA community.
Rodney will be presented this award today, Sunday July 4, as part of the NAIDOC Perth celebrations at Wellington Square reserve in East Perth.
Rodney has been working in the WA Health system for 14 years. He first started working as an Aboriginal Health Worker in South Hedland in the 1980s, later moving into the area of dialysis.
"I had to do a lot of clinical work with dialysis patients and after mastering the clinical skills, my Nurse Manager encouraged me to do nursing," Rodney said.
"It was frightening because it was a long time since I left school but I battled through and worked hard, studying the course and working part time.
"The first three months were the hardest and I nearly gave up sometimes, but what got me through was that I got so much assistance from the nurses and the community."
The Department of Health's Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Cath Stoddart, said Rodney was a great example of what could be achieved if you were prepared to work hard.
"Rodney has continued to work tirelessly to further his development and has been an invaluable member of the WA nursing community.
"He upgraded to an Advanced Skill enrolled nurse, and last year was offered professional development and a move into a position as an Aboriginal Health Officer where he had the opportunity to develop his natural leadership and management skills."
In just 12 months, Rodney advanced from a health officer position to Coordinator of Aboriginal Health to the Regional Coordinator of Aboriginal Health.
Ms Stoddart said it was a fitting tribute for Rodney to receive the award as part of the NAIDOC Perth celebrations.
"The Nursing and Midwifery Office is proud to recognise and award Rodney Monaghan the 2010 Rhonda Marriott Award for WA," Ms Stoddart said.
Rodney said he would like to see more Indigenous Health Workers and Nurses working in his region to help people with their health.
"We need our people involved in management to have input into decisions about health for our people. Nursing for me, was vital as a stepping stone into management.
"Since I have completed my nursing, I have learned so much. I learned I can go anywhere in my career. I have a career that I am passionate about and improving Aboriginal health in my region is my goal," Rodney said.
Photo opportunity: Rodney will be presented the award at 1.45pm today (Sunday July 4) at the Wellington Street Reserve, East Perth.
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