Like a lot of nurses, Ashly Grabski is humbled by her work. She told the western nurse she entered the profession because she wanted to “make meaningful connections with people”, and have the “flexibility and opportunity to work in a variety of areas” that best suited her interests. Now, as the Nurse Unit Manager of St John of God (SJOG) Mt Lawley Hospital’s Ursula Frayne Unit, a mental health facility that cares for adults over 65 years of age, she has been awarded the 2021 Excellence in Registered Nursing Award at the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards. Nominated for her passion for mental health nursing, and her natural leadership style, she told the western nurse it was a “huge honour” to be awarded “given there are so many fantastic nurses and midwives working across WA”.
“All nurses know that our profession would not function without team work, and the incredible bonds I have made with colleagues is a definite highlight of my career. I learn something new every single day,” Ashly told the western nurse. The Ursula Frayne Unit at SJOG Mt Lawley provides public inpatient services and recovery-focused care for older adults with mental health challenges. The 12-bed unit was established to service the inner Perth metropolitan area, and is managed by the East Metropolitan Health Service’s Older Adult Mental Health program. It is publically funded to support patients with depression, suffering grief, social isolation and dementia.
INSPIRING ASHLY GRABS REGISTERED NURSING EXCELLENCE AWARD An ANF member since university, Ashly Grabski, is giving rise to the importance of dedicated older adult mental health nursing across WA
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western nurse October 2021
“I started my career at SJOG and actually commenced as a post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse,” Ashly told the western nurse. “I absolutely love perioperative nursing, and am glad I can integrate my acute medical care skills into my mental health nursing. As an Older Adult Mental Health specialist, I find this is important as many of our patients live with comorbidities.” Ashly completed her undergraduate nursing studies at Curtin University, Clinical Nursing and Mental Health post graduate studies at Notre Dame and Edith Cowan Universities, and is currently studying Health Leadership at Notre Dame. “I have been an ANF member since I was a student,” Ashly told the western nurse, encouraging all nurses and nursing students to join the union. “It is important. It feels like being part of a community and provides support when needed.” Ashly is passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental health and nursing in the sector, and nurturing emerging mental health specialists so that quality care can be provided to some of our community’s most vulnerable members. She has been commended by her colleagues for her compassion, the care she delivers, not only to patients, but to their loved ones, allowing them to partner in treatment; and inspiring others in the job she loves. “Where do I start? It’s so humbling to be in a position where we can advocate for our patients, and be instrumental in providing true patient-centred care. I love watching our patients getting better,” Ashly said. Join the ANF today at anfiuwp.org.au
