Meet Nabeela

Meet Nabeela, Armadale Hospital’s DonateLife Clinical Nurse Specialist and an ICU nurse.

Nabeela joined Armadale Health Service (AHS) and the ICU team more than seven years ago. When the opportunity arose to take on the hospital’s DonateLife role in 2018 she seized the chance to combine her clinical skills with a cause close to her heart.

Did you know “registering to become an organ and tissue donor has a direct influence on donation rates, and nine in ten families say yes to donating when a family member is on the Australian Organ Donor Register?,” she asks.

When she first started in this role, Nabeela said that there was varied awareness amongst staff of the organ donation services at the hospital, which commenced in 2015. In the 18 months since taking on the DonateLife portfolio for AHS, she has worked hard to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation by hosting a range of activities and education programs.

“A large part of my role is providing advice and education, but nothing is as significant as first-hand experience shared by families of organ donors and transplant recipients. The feedback from clinicians after these events is overwhelming – that it’s rewarding to see the outcome of their care and they’re proud to have been involved.”

There’s no denying Nabeela is passionate about what she does. When asked what she plans to do next she replies “to keep doing what I love – serving the community as a nurse.”

“There are no words to describe how it is to be a part of a team that gives hope, that gives the gift of life to someone who might have been given only days to live if not for the generosity of the Australians who say yes to organ donation. And if I can play a small role in that, I am very proud,” said Nabeela.

This week marks DonateLife Week for 2019 and Nabeela will be out talking with staff, encouraging them to register their organ and tissue donation decision, and to discuss their decisions with their loved ones.