An asset to the community
WITH health care workers at the frontline of services in the community, being named as the Nurse of the Year was a humbling moment for Wellington’s Tessa Ponder.
“I was very humble and a bit overwhelmed to be nominated and awarded nurse of the year for Wellington Health Service,” she said.
As a registered midwife and nurse, Ms Ponder has worked as a Child and Family Health Nurse with families in the Wellington area for a number of years, describing it as an ‘enormous privilege’.
“Supporting families with their babies from birth to five years is a great joy,” she said.
“There is no template for children, each child and family have special unique talents and challenges as they navigate those early years.”
Ms Ponder explained that working with local families is a wonderful learning experience.
“When working in partnership with families I find I am often learning. Children are amazing, surprising and can show us so much.”
In addition to visiting families and children, Ms Ponder said the great joy of her work is the support she receives from others.
“The friendships from colleagues from all disciplines at the Wellington Health Service; my child and family health colleagues throughout the Western Local Health District and all those in the community who collaborate to provide services for children and families of Wellington.
“It is well known that it takes a community to raise a child. The community of Wellington has many wonderful people and services that are passionate about Wellington and contribute so much.”
In congratulating Ms Ponder, the Wellington Local Health district described her dedication to the role.
“She is incredibly dedicated to the children and families, very passionate about her work and always continuing her professional development to benefit the community. Tessa is very kind and understands the community’s needs. She is an absolute asset to Wellington.”