Every year, our Earlybirds Neonatal Nurse Awards shine a light on the incredible nurses who walk beside families during some of the most fragile and emotional moments of their lives. This year, we’re honoured to celebrate Georgia, a dedicated NICU nurse at Centenary Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Canberra, who was drawn at random as our lucky 2025 winner.
Georgia was nominated by a family who shared the most heartfelt words about the care she provided for their daughter, Rivah-Skye. They described her as “absolutely amazing,” someone who created precious hand and footprints, offered comfort on the toughest days, and made sure they always felt their little girl was safe, even when they couldn’t be by her side. Their nomination reflects not only Georgia’s clinical skill, but the extraordinary compassion and connection she brings into every shift.
Georgia with Rivah-Skye
We are delighted to honour all nominated nurses with a personalised Certificate of Appreciation and have sent Georgia her prize of a $100 pamper gift card and a Retreat Yourself care box to say thank you on behalf of Earlybirds.
We were also lucky enough to be given the opportunity to learn more about Georgia’s journey, the challenges and joys of NICU nursing and what this award means to her and we hope you enjoy this insight into life as a NICU nurse.
1. Can you tell us a little about your nursing journey—how long you’ve been a nurse and when you began working specifically in the NICU at Centenary Women’s & Children’s Hospital?
I’ve been a nurse for four years, and NICU has been my focus from the very beginning. I’ve absolutely loved caring for vulnerable newborns and supporting their families, and I truly couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
2. What inspired you to pursue neonatal nursing? Was there a particular moment, experience or person who led you to this beautiful but challenging specialty?
During my degree, I had the opportunity to complete my final placement in the NICU. Seeing the amazing care the nurses provided to premature and critically unwell babies, as well as the support and reassurance they offered to families, I knew neonatal nursing was the path I wanted to pursue. While it can be challenging, seeing babies grow and families gain confidence is incredibly rewarding.
3. Neonatal care requires such precision, patience and compassion. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of caring for premature and unwell babies?
I find the greatest challenge is the responsibility of caring for such sick babies, whose conditions can change quickly. Balancing their care while supporting families can be tough but it is also what makes neonatal nursing so meaningful and fulfilling.
4. On the other hand, what is the most rewarding part of your job—the moments that remind you why you chose this career?
The most rewarding part for me is seeing babies grow, improve, and eventually go home with their families. Being part of those small but significant milestones reminds me every day why I chose neonatal nursing.
5. Families often speak about how NICU nurses hold their hands through the hardest days of their lives. How do you approach building trust and emotional connection with parents and families?
I build trust by communicating openly, showing empathy, and involving parents in their baby’s care. Taking the time to listen, explain, and support them through moments of uncertainty helps create a strong connection and provides reassurance during an incredibly vulnerable time.
6. The family who nominated you said you “cared so beautifully” for their daughter Rivah-Skye, made treasured hand and footprints, and always made them feel their little girl was in safe hands. How did it feel reading those words and knowing the impact you had on their NICU journey?
Reading the words of Rivah’s family meant so much to me! Knowing I was able to support Rivah and her family and create meaningful memories during such a difficult time is something I feel truly honoured to have been part of.
7. NICU nursing can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. What are some of the ways you look after your own wellbeing so you can continue to show up with such compassion and strength?
I try to keep a good balance. I make time for exercise, fresh air, and spending time with friends and family. Those little routines help me maintain that balance so I can come back refreshed and ready to look after the babies and their families.
8. As part of your award, you’ve received a $100 pamper gift card and a Retreat Yourself care box. Do you have plans for how you’d like to use your pamper voucher—perhaps a massage, a facial, a spa soak or even a well-deserved hair appointment?
I’m thinking either a massage or a hair appointment! Either one would be such a nice way to relax and unwind.
9. Are there any moments or lessons from your time in NICU nursing that have shaped the way you care for families today?
I’ve learned that taking the time to listen, involve families in their baby’s care, and offering reassurance can have a significant impact on their experience. Celebrating small milestones with families helps them feel included and supported, and it’s something I make a point of doing with every family I care for.
10. Finally, what does winning the Earlybirds Neonatal Nurse Award mean to you personally, and is there anything you’d like to say to the families and colleagues who support and work alongside you?
Receiving this award is incredibly special to me! I’m so grateful to the families who allow me to care for their babies, and to my colleagues—their expertise and dedication inspire me every day. This award is as much theirs.
Georgia’s story is a beautiful reminder of the impact a single nurse can have on a family’s world. Her gentleness, dedication and instinctive ability to support parents through the unthinkable at such a young age is exactly why we created these awards, to ensure nurses like her feel seen, celebrated and deeply appreciated.
To the family who nominated her, thank you for sharing your experience so openly. And to Georgia, congratulations on being our 2025 Earlybirds Neonatal Nurse Awards winner. Your work doesn’t just change tiny lives, it carries families through moments they will remember forever.
If you’d like to read the full list of 2025 nominations and the incredible stories behind them, you can do so here.
And to every neonatal nurse across Australia: thank you. Your care matters more than words can ever convey.
