Coonabarabran nurse, Garima Nepal has not only taken out the Pauline Webster-Cox Award for New to Practice in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) 2023 Nursing and Midwifery Awards but has progressed to being a state finalist in the New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year Award.

Chosen from district winners from throughout NSW, Ms Nepal is now up against two other nurses for the prestigious award.

Ms Nepal's journey to becoming a nurse has been a long one. As a small child in Nepal she had dreams of becoming a doctor but was inspired by her brother to pursue nursing instead and moved to Australia in 2018 to achieve her goal.

Ms Nepal undertook her training at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney and when offered the chance to move to Coonabarabran, she and her partner "jumped at the chance".

"(I) enjoy the country lifestyle, and being able to travel around seeing the countryside," Ms Nepal said. "(I also) enjoy relaxing with a good book."

After her local win, Ms Nepal was described as demonstrating excellence in care provision and leadership.

According to a NSW Health spokesperson, Ms Nepal has attained a high-level skill set allowing her to manage complex situations with minimal support or guidance, works well within both the nursing and multidisciplinary team and her opinion and observations of patient’s achievements are valued within both teams.

"Ms Nepal commenced a pathway of learning to allow early transition to undertake Triage and ED work and seeks every opportunity to assist her co-workers and learn new skills," the spokesperson continued. "She actively engages with all patients from time of arrival to time of discharge. She is engaged in auditing against National standards and is providing support to the 2024 cohort of Graduate nurses"

When she found out she had advanced to the state finals, Ms Nepal said she was "beyond happy".

Adrian Fahy, WNSWLHD Director of Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing said Ms Nepal was a highly deserving finalist.

"We're thrilled for her," Mr Fahy said. "From the moment patients arrive at Coonabarabran Health Service until their discharge, Garima actively engages with them and ensures their needs are met, also tirelessly advocating for their safety. Her performance, dedication to ongoing learning and ability to collaborate effectively highlight the exceptional care she provides and her leadership skills.

"Garima's commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to her colleagues."

Now one of three finalists for the New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year Award, Ms Nepal will find out if she receives the award in November. The other finalist in her category are from Central Coast and South Western Sydney.