Despite a stellar thirty-nine-year nursing career, Orthopaedic Ward 2A Nurse Unit Manager Donna Everitt says she is surprised to be named PA Hospital’s 2026 Nurse of the Year (Inpatient).
“I’ve been very fortunate to have the leadership opportunities I’ve had and very humbled to receive this award,” she said.
“Every nurse deserves recognition for the great work they do, and I believe every nurse deserves an excellence in nursing award.”
Donna received the accolade on International Nurses Day for her steady leadership, adaptability to change, and unwavering commitment to supporting her team, patients and their families.
“I’m a dedicated advocate for the PA Hospital and the excellent nursing service we provide,” Donna said.
For the past 16 years Donna has worked as a Nurse Unit Manager, including 14 years within the Division of Surgery. In late 2024, she embraced a new challenge, joining the Spinal Injuries Unit within the Division of Allied Health and Rehabilitation.
“It was a really exciting opportunity for me,” she said.
“I was able to bring some positive experiences and ideas that had worked well in the past and share them with a unit that was growing and developing in those areas.”
Central to Donna’s leadership philosophy is creating an environment where staff feel valued, heard and supported.
“I think it’s so important as a member of any team to address people by their name and make them feel heard,” she said.
“Building trust through collaboration and inclusion is really important. We talk about person-centred care, but we can only deliver that if we have the right team and that team feels valuable, supported, and encouraged to develop.”
Donna believes strong workplace culture is the foundation of excellent patient care.
“When our people feel empowered and cared for, they provide excellent care,” she said.
Her commitment to fostering positive workplace culture was reflected in a recent BPA survey within the Spinal Injuries Unit, which achieved the strongest nursing culture results recorded for the service.
While humbled by the recognition, Donna is quick to credit the team around her.
“I don’t think for a second this came down to me — it was the momentum of the team,” she said.
“They believed in the ideas they brought forward, and together we worked to improve and change things to create a more positive environment for everyone.
“As a leader, it’s important that you believe in your team and listen to them.”
Congratulations Donna!