“I tell everyone, my job is the most fun in the hospital!”
Anyone who has benefited from clinical education with PA Hospital Nurse Educator, Kaila Kellaway, will be familiar with this reprise and the absolute certainty that Kaila is amazing at her job.
The Division of Surgery nursing icon leads with heart and humanity. Whether she is supporting graduates, colleagues, or patients, she makes others feel seen and valued with thoughtful check-ins and genuine empathy.
Her ability to create a safe environment where people feel they can ask for help and grow with confidence is just one of the reasons she was nominated for the International Nurses Day LOVE award (in May 2025).
But the reasons she won the award cross the entire spectrum of the Metro South Health values proving she truly is Living Our Values Everyday.
“Engagement is the value that most aligns with my role as the nurse educator for Division of Surgery which includes a medical ward,” Kaila said.
“It’s certainly a challenge to get people engaged when they are really busy every day, but I make the most of every opportunity to engage people through my role.”
Kaila recognises the emotional toll nursing can take and provides a soft place to land with kindness and zero judgment which is an insight into the deep understanding she brings to every interaction.
Early career nurses feel supported by her compassionate approach when she takes the time to understand their individual journeys and needs. It is this integrity and respect that forms a foundation for psychologically safe relationships.
The Jan Kitchener L.O.V.E Award celebrates the enduring legacy of the former nurse’s dedication to the profession of nursing and the everyday values that make a great nurse. To all who are blessed by Kaila’s enthusiasm and influence, her claim on the L.O.V.E Award comes as no surprise.
“Kaila always does what’s right - not what’s easy. She is a trusted colleague whose transparency, ethical decision-making, and commitment builds confidence in her leadership,” the nomination said.
“She is a role model for integrity, creating a culture where others feel inspired to act with the same commitment to performing with excellence.”
All evidence points to Kaila not just doing the work but owning it! She follows through, measures impact and learns from every step. Her role as an educator means that all nurses within her units benefit from applying measures and improvements that translate into sustained change.
She played a key role in reshaping the graduate nurse recruitment program and embedding innovative strategies to improve outcomes. On top of that, Kaila said she has had lots of opportunities to widen her reach over the past 12 months.
“We have reinvigorated the Clinical Facilitator Forum for the PA which includes ward, university, and Tafe facilitators alongside anyone interested in facilitation. The forum is all about empowering people and engaging them in their role so that they can do their jobs better…. And have more fun doing it!”
Kaila leads with quiet strength and lifts others in her pursuit of excellence in nursing care. Her ability to think strategically and act practically has led to real improvements in recruitment, onboarding, and retention.
“I have an amazing team of facilitators and NUMs alongside the units I am responsible for. It is the team that is the key to our success,” Kaila said.