Bayside Health Service Clinical Nurse Kathy Penaflorida supports patients who are undergoing surgery at Redland Hospital.
She helps prepare patients for anaesthesia, supports surgical and anaesthetic teams, and provides leadership to the anaesthetic nursing team.
"What I value most is the strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie within our perioperative service," Kathy said.
She said anaesthetic nurses provided both clinical and emotional support to patients.
"Anaesthetic nurses are often seen as clinical specialists, but we also play an important role in emotional support," she said. "We need to think quickly, adapt constantly and be ready for anything while still maintaining a calm presence for our patients."
"Working alongside colleagues who share the same commitment to patient care makes the role very rewarding."
Kathy said moments when patients shared how reassured they felt before surgery stayed with her.
"Knowing that a simple act of kindness or reassurance can make a difference in a vulnerable time is something that stays with me."