WA’s Rural Nurse/Midwife of the Year

Our longest-serving Flight Nurse of more than 30 years was recently recognised as WA’s Rural Nurse/ Midwife of the Year.

Marianne Testi joined the RFDS in 1990 after growing up in country Victoria.

“I was working as a nurse on Hayman Island in Queensland when I saw an advertisement for a nurse at the RFDS in Derby,” Marianne said. Reflecting on her long career, Marianne is still blown away by the work of the RFDS.

“The RFDS does remarkable work with limited resources. In some instances, we’re world leaders with our innovations. Take the stretcher loader device with its simple but effective design as an example. The device means we can load and unload patients onto the aircraft without ‘lifting’ them. It’s strong, easy to use and reliable.

“But what really stands out for me is the overwhelming community support. When we land in a remote location, where often there is little or no medical help, the relief on people’s faces is very apparent. Our crews go about their work calmly, quietly, with good grace and good humour. Often, when we arrive, it’s one of the worst days for the patient. Sitting with a patient, holding their hand, talking through their fears and anxieties while giving them medical help, can be an intense experience. That intensity of experience connects you to the patients and to the rest of the crew. Developing the trust of patients and that deep connection with the crews is particularly special to me.”

Being recognised as WA’s Rural Nurse/Midwife of the Year was a surprise for Marianne.

“I was astonished to win. Particularly during COVID, when so many deserving nurses went above and beyond their duty to help the community. I didn’t really know what to say or what to do when I got the award. Then it dawned on me, the award also recognises and acknowledges the incredible work of the RFDS and all nurses generally.”

Marianne’s advice to early career nurses is to join the service.

“Do it,” she says. “I encourage you to experience this for yourself. You’ll have so many opportunities to grow as a nurse. You’ll get to stand on your own two feet professionally. You’ll learn to really look after your patient and you’ll become exceptionally good at diagnosis. You’ll develop a great capacity to see where your patients are and what they need.”

Did you know we have Nursing Midwifery Scholarships? Find out more here: www.flyingdoctor.org.au/wa/about/working-in-wa/scholarships-wa/