Adj. Prof. Alanna Geary, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer

Happy New Year! I have now resumed my position as Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer Metro North after a few weeks leave and spending a wonderful 6 months or so as the Executive Director Caboolture, Kilcoy & Woodford Directorate.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cherie Franks – DON TPCH, Tanya Beaumont – DON COH and Christine Burridge – Nursing Director, Education MN, all of whom undertook the role of CNMO MN in my absence. They did an outstanding job, and it was nice to return to the role with nothing pressing outstanding. I would also like to thank those who backfilled their positions during their absence. It is always so heartening to know that we have so many wonderful nursing and midwifery leaders in our health service.

Welcome to all of our 2024 new graduate and new starter nurses and midwives to Metro North Health. I believe that you have chosen to work in the best Health Service in the country and I hope that your transition into the workplace is all you hoped it would be. For the new graduates you have joined what I believe to be the most wonderful of professions and I know that your colleagues will assist you into the new roles. Please know that we want you to feel supported and ensure that your graduate year is one of learning and integration into this very busy health service. When things do not go quite to plan or you need guidance, please talk to your colleagues and/or line managers. Remember that we all have to start somewhere and having the encouragement and assistance of others can make your journey so much easier.

I have been the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in Metro North for a long time and I have had a nursing and midwifery career of greater than 40 years… most of it in Metro North. But career journeys are not always smooth sailing. Not even mine! There have been times when I have needed support and guidance. Looking back, my graduate year was not one of my most wonderful memories. I was scared, I had moved to Brisbane from a small country town and neither my work life or my personal life were particularly rosy! However, I found some colleagues who could assist in my work transition and I have made life long colleagues and friends. There is nothing wrong with asking for assistance if you are struggling, either with workload, understanding your role, or even comprehending the machinations of the organisation. Ask for help, seek guidance and counsel, and know that there is always help available.

2024 holds such promise for us in Metro North and especially for nursing and midwifery. This year we are going to continue to focus on Clinical Standards and ensuring that we provide the best possible care to the patients and their families. I know that each and every one of you aim to do that every single day, but not only are we going to do it we are going to celebrate our successes, support research and education and continue to promote each other to be the best!

So, as we embark on 2024, I want you to thank you for all that you do and all that you have done to make our health service the great place that it is. Your commitment is so appreciated. To quote Jon Bon Jovi, “Nothing is as important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate”. Passionate nurses and midwives are the heartbeat of health. What you do and what you bring to the table is so important and so valued. Not only by your patients but your colleagues.

I said earlier in this communication that I had been on leave for a few weeks. We went to Mooloolaba where we often go to get away. It is my happy place, one where I can relax and reflect. The rain over the past few weeks meant that there are not too many movies or series that I didn’t review on Netflix, but it was nice to get away with my husband and Dave the Groodle, take stock of 2023 and figure out some strategies for 2024.

I close with a picture of Dave, looking pensive over the canal, I think if he could talk he would be telling me of his plans for 2024, and we would be conversing about them. 2024 is going to be wonderful… Dave told me!

Stay safe.

Alanna.