The deputy care manager at Brightwater Care Group in Madeley took out the residential and aged care category at the prestigious 2013 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
‘It’s a very big honour, there are so many nurses doing so many brilliant things across all categories,’ she said.
From a young age, Mrs Petersen knew she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a nurse.
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READ NOWIn 1984 she was able to pursue her passion, when she underwent her training as an enrolled nurse at the former Mt Henry aged care facility in Como.
She later moved to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital where she specialised in respiratory remediation for 14 years.
‘We were dealing with patients who had emphysema, which is a disease that affects predominantly older people.
‘I believe in holistic care ” helping them attend to their personal care ” as well as treating them.
‘It was great working there.’
Her passion for working with the elderly led her to Brightwater Care Group, which has allowed her to advance in her training as a nurse and move into management.
‘You’re basically looking after the residents in a way they would like to be looked after in the final stages of their life.
‘Anyone who works in aged care knows it’s, as I would say, a ‘tough gig’ so it’s fantastic to be recognised.’
Mrs Peterson was one of 14 nurses and midwives from across WA to win one of the 13 award categories, which acknowledged their outstanding contribution to the nursing and midwifery profession.
Winners were chosen from 43 finalists, which had been narrowed down from 230 nominees.