Yesterday marked International Nurses Day. At Austin Health, we celebrated the day with an event recognising our 2024 International Nurses Day Award recipients and Kev Gilnagh is one of them.

We chatted with Kev to hear about what motivated him to become a nurse.

How long have you been here? Can you tell us a bit about your role?

I started working at Austin Health in 2016 in the surgery and endoscopy centre. When 9 West opened 2 years ago, I took the opportunity to take on the Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM) role and have been here since. We manage the pre and post-op care of surgical patients and care for patients with surgical issues. My role involves being in charge of the shift, supporting my colleagues and providing the hospital with flow through discharges and admissions.

What inspired you to become a nurse?

My mum – she was a phenomenal nurse.  

When I finished school at 17, I started an apprenticeship as an electrician back home in Ireland. I lasted a total of 3 months before realising it was not for me. My mum suggested applying for nursing in England, which is exactly what she had done at that age. I never looked back. She would have got such a kick out of me winning this award.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy managing the shift and being part of an amazing team. I love developing positive relationships across the hospital and supporting my team in their care of our patients.

What does winning the International Nurses Day award mean to you?

To be nominated by my peers in the first place is amazing but to be given the award is phenomenal. It is an acknowledgment of the work that we all do.  I am humbled and grateful to have been chosen. I’d like to thank my incredibly supportive mentor and NUM Tanya and the whole team on 9 West. I feel truly blessed to have such an amazing work family.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone training to be a nurse?

Hang in there. Studying, attending placements and passing exams can be unbelievably difficult but what awaits you at the end is a career helping others, travelling and working with amazing people.