Gerontology nurses find motivation in Wellington.

The fourth national gerontology conference, organised by NZNO's National Gerontology Section, was held for the first time in Wellington and entitled Positively Gerontology.

Held over two days at the end of August, it was, as the title suggested, a positive experience for nurses, allied health professionals and caregivers.

Delegates were treated to some motivating and morale building presentations about the work of gerontology nurses. From start to finish, MC Jim Hopkins created an atmosphere of fun and laughter that created a positive conference experience for everyone.

The keynote speakers were inspirational Well-known public speaker Tony Christianson, who lost his legs in a railway accident at the age of nine, proved attitude is everything to achieving one's goals. Former Work and Income New Zealand chief executive Christine Rankin shared her passion for leadership using a humanistic and innovative approach. More of this kind of leadership is needed in health care.

Learning and development coach Marina Shearer gave two presentations: one on effective communication techniques (Positive People Encounters); the other on caring for one's emotional health (The Emotional Bank Account). Learning to keep your emotional "bank" balanced and avoiding overdrafts is vital in a specialty of nursing that takes so much emotion and energy from the carets. Nurses Kathy Peri, Lorraine Ritchie, Marian Bland, Kate Gellatly and Jan Hide took us through a wide variety of topics, from nursing those who self-neglect; to positive characteristics of the elderly; positive end-of-life care; long-term rehabilitation towards home; and expectations of ageing and care among the "baby boomer" generation.

Two senior Wellington globe trotters, both in their 80s, took us on a journey of activity, travel and stimulating hobbies as they continue to live life to the full.

The highlight of conference was the presentation of the Gerontology Nurse of the Year award to Raye Wilkes of Nelson. Raye, who is manager of Nelson's Whareama Resthome and Hospital, has been a gerontology nurse for 26 years, all of them at Whareama. She did her training at Wellington Hospital, working there before marrying and moving to Nelson. She has held various positions at Whareama, from part-time night duty nurse through to charge nurse, then manager in 2002, replacing former manager Terri Potroz. As testified by colleagues and residents, she has a warmth, passion and genuine interest in elderly people. The award of a plaque and $1500, sponsored by Invacare, was presented to Raye by section patron Ailsa Bailey. Raye was nominated by another New Zealand Lifecare manager, Gwen Lauder from Glenbrook Lodge in Whitby. The nomination was supported by a number of endorsements from Whareama staff.

Speaking to Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand later, Raye said she was overwhelmed at receiving the award, "I see it as a reflection of all the staff at Whareama. We are fortunate that we attract good staff and we are known for our friendly, quality care. My baseline is that I love Whareama and its residents. This award has given me the confidence to believe in myself." Preparation is now underway for the next conference, with the date and venue to be decided at this month's national section committee meeting.