A WOMAN who has devoted her working life to helping people in aged care to die with dignity has won a NSW award.
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Janean Cole, a nurse practitioner with Anglican Care, at Booragul, was on Thursday named NSW employee of the year at the annual Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) Aged Care Awards.
The awards celebrate the outstanding contributions made by organisations, teams, and individuals in the aged care industry.
Ms Cole said she was delighted, but surprised, to win.
"I was a little bit shocked. You never think you're going to win something like this," she said.
"But it was a lovely surprise."
As a nurse practitioner for 13 years, including four years with Anglican Care, Ms Cole is an advanced practice nurse who specialises in palliative care and who helps with all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatments and consultation.
The job also encompassing risk management, medication management, clinical governance and policy development.
"I've been in the aged care sector for nearly 30 years, and it's always been a passion of mine - to care for patients and also to support GPs," she said.
Ultimately, a large focus of Ms Cole's role is to help patients die with dignity, and to be as comfortable as possible at the end of their life.
It's a high calling.
"It is rewarding, but it can also be difficult, especially when you form bonds with a resident," she said.
Ms Cole is also one of three nurse practitioners leading the Hunter Aged Palliative Care Network (HAPCN), coordinating and delivering education to more than 40 aged care providers.
She said the sector had improved its end-of-life care for patients, but there was more to be done.
Anglican Care's general manager of community care services, Chris Giles, said Ms Cole demonstrated professional integrity and ethical leadership at all times.
"She is so highly regarded within Anglican Care and externally by other providers, local health care, and palliative care services; she is a local treasure," Ms Giles said.
Royal Freemasons' Benevolent Institute (RFBI) was named Provider of the Year at the ACSA awards.
