Kimberley nurse takes out Rural Health top gong

A Kimberley local who was recently recognised as the 2021 Rural Health Midwife and Nurse of the Year has told her story of perseverance and resilience in hopes of inspiring others to join the profession. Derby-born Tamsen Prunster, pictured, has supported Aboriginal women and their babies in Broome for more than 15 years and was instrumental in the establishment of the Family Centre at BRAMS. Born in Derby in 1971, Ms Prunster grew up beside the Fitzroy River and Dampier Archipelago, before leaving for boarding school aged 12. It was her mother, Dasee Gugeri, who first inspired Ms Prunster to become a nurse, through sharing tales of her “amazing adventures”. Ms Gugeri had a long career as a registered nurse and midwife, as well as being theatre trained and working as a Royal Flying Doctor Service flying sister. Dedicating 20 years to school health nursing in Derby, Ms Gugeri’s commitment and care for the community had a big influence on her daughter. “Women in the Kimberley are so amazing and deal with a lot of challenges,” she said. “Their ability to be resilient and strong for their kids is remarkable.” Ms Prunster said she was proud to have her efforts recognised by the judging panel. “It’s nice to know there are people in Broome and WA who thought I was worthy of the awards,” she said. She was grateful to her colleague, Dr Chevaun Howard, for nominating her. “We’ve been working together for five years running the antenatal program as a team and it’s been a privilege to work with Dr Chevaun,” she said. Ms Prunster has also had to overcome great turmoil, losing her 26-year-old niece to meningococcal. She urged anyone who missed the meningococcal ACWY vaccine during their school years to get it. “My niece would have stood a chance if she had the vaccine; her loss has been devastating for everyone who knew her,” she said. Ms Prunster continues to work at BRAMS, while Ms Gugeri is happily retired, with six grandchildren and one great-grandchild to keep her busy.