2025 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards - Excellence in Enrolled Nursing

Exmouth Health Service Enrolled Nurse Karen Stewart has been named a finalist in the 2025 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards for Excellence in Enrolled Nursing.

Since joining Exmouth Health Service in 2013, Karen has been an important part of the team, working across aged care, emergency presentations and acute inpatient care. As a member of a small but highly skilled team, she takes on the responsibility of caring for acute inpatients and aged care residents while supporting the emergency department.

Karen holds the aged care portfolio, where her gentle and compassionate nature has made her a leader in implementing best care practices. She ensures excellence in resident care, fosters strong communication with families, and advocates for person-centred care. Her work is guided by evidence-based practice, and she actively researches and evaluates changes before implementing them.

A natural leader, Karen provides constructive feedback to colleagues when changes in practice occur, ensuring continuous improvement in care. She is also a valued community member, with an in-depth knowledge of local aged care consumers. This allows her to provide support for individuals transitioning from independent living into residential aged care, ensuring they maintain an active lifestyle and strong social connections.

Karen is a passionate advocate for equity in residential care, ensuring that aged care patients receive the same level of attention and respect as those in acute care settings. She continually enhances the quality of care by leading educational initiatives, attending professional development opportunities and acting as a trusted resource for her team.

Karen’s nomination for the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards is a well-deserved recognition of her tireless efforts to enhance the lives of those she cares for.