For Registered Nurse Breeana Ralph, making sure patients feel seen, valued and supported during their stay in hospital is all part of a day’s work.
Bree’s compassionate approach has earned her the QEII Hospital International Nurses Day LOVE (Living Our Values Every Day) Award, recognising her exceptional person-centred care and the genuine connections she builds with patients and their families.
Bree said receiving the award was both humbling and deeply meaningful.
"I felt incredibly grateful and a little overwhelmed in a positive way," she said.
"It was very special to be recognised for doing something I genuinely care about, supporting my patients and trying to make their experience a little easier.
"It also meant a lot to me to be recognised by my colleagues and my workplace."
Now in her fourth year at QEII Hospital, Bree said she was drawn to nursing because it offered the opportunity to make a real difference.
"No two days are ever the same," she said. "It is both challenging and rewarding, and it provides the opportunity to care for, support and advocate for people through some of the most significant and challenging moments of their lives."
Bree says it is the relationships she builds with patients, families and colleagues that continue to inspire her every day.
"I've found nursing to be an incredibly rewarding profession, to play a part in someone's care and recovery, and to support them through challenging times.”
Bree credits QEII's supportive culture for helping her grow throughout her nursing career.
"I've had the opportunity to develop my skills, work with an incredible multidisciplinary team, and care for a diverse range of patients.”
She says compassionate nursing is often found in the small moments that help patients feel cared for beyond their clinical needs.
"When a long-stay patient’s birthday comes around, we make sure the day does not go unnoticed. We celebrate with them, bring in a cake and gifts to make them feel special and part of the 3B family.
"We always make sure our patients feel like part of the 3B team, celebrating their wins as they reach milestones in their healthcare journey and even sharing in the lighter moments through dancing and singing along to their favourite songs."
She believes these moments reflect what Metro South Health's values look like in practice.
"Compassion and respect guide how I connect with people, especially when they're feeling vulnerable or unwell," Bree said.
"Integrity and accountability shape how I make decisions and ensure I'm providing safe, honest and reliable care.
"Engagement is about being present with my team and my patients, and excellence is something I strive for through ongoing learning and always wanting to do the best I can for those in my care."
Looking back on her nursing journey, Bree said the positive connections she makes with patients is what motivates her most.
"It's incredibly rewarding to know that, through kindness, compassion and care, I can help make those challenging moments a little bit easier. That's what I enjoy most about nursing and what continues to inspire me every day."
Congratulations Bree!