Staff Spotlight – Gill Mibus, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
What better way to celebrate upcoming Neonatal Nurse’s Day than to introduce you to Neonatal Nurse, Gill Mibus, much-loved member of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
When Gill isn’t in NICU caring for some of our tiniest patients, you might find her overseas - providing education on birthing practices in countries with high rates of mortality.
How long have you been at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital?
34 years in total. Originally at the Queen Vic Hospital before it formed part of WCH.
What has changed the most since you first started?
The ability to care for the preterm baby and improve their outcomes has improved so much during this time. The difference that antenatal steroids and surfactant for Hyaline Membrane disease has made has been remarkable. Also, the equipment and methods of ventilation for babies has improved so much.
What is your favourite part of being a Neonatal Nurse?
Being part of a great team and being there to help babies and families at such an important time.
How does it feel to provide care to families at such an important time?
It’s an honour and privilege to be with their babies and their families and to help them, and hopefully to make a difference.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy golfing, and bush walking. And I love to travel.
What have been the highlights of your career?
The friendships made by working with wonderful colleagues, locally and from all over the world. The emergence of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) role, and working as one has been a wonderful opportunity. Helping babies and meeting beautiful families - and seeing them progress over the years. I’m still in touch with some families from over 30 years ago. How special is that!
Thank you Gill for the work you do for South Australian families and the Women’s and Children’s Health Network and over so many years.
We recently highlighted Gill’s incredible award-winning work in a social media post and here are some of the 250+ responses from families and fellow staff:
“Congratulations Gill, a truly well deserved award. You were one of our favourite nurses in NICU 24 years ago! Your knowledge and expertise and the kindness and care you showed to our family made such a difference during a difficult time. Thanks for caring.”
“Congratulations Gill, so incredibly deserving. Many people probably feel like they have had their worlds turned upside down when they meet you. I imagine there are many, like us, who are so incredibly grateful to have crossed your path, not just for the miracles you perform in your work but because of the incredibly beautiful and caring individual that you are. We were in your company for 3 life changing months in 2016. Thank you for infusing your magic and gifting us our complete family. I know I am a better person because you were in our life.”
“Gill I couldn’t even imagine our journey when Ava and Ruby were born without you in it. You were my strength when I thought I had none, standing beside us the whole way. Congratulations on this award, the world is much better because you’re in it.”
“Congrats Gill. Well deserved. Always a pleasure to see your face walk through the door on the ward. You always give amazing care to the babies you see and go the extra mile to assist no matter how busy you are.”
“Wonderful accolades for a very special neonatal nurse. Humble, compassionate, intelligent, calm, optomisitc and caring. Such a pleasure to know and work with you Gill.”