Gráinne Murphy receives the Practice Nurse of the Year award. Photo: Karl Hussey

Practice nurse makes perfect

A Cavan native won the prestigious Irish Medical Times ‘Practice Nurse of the Year’ award 2018.
Gráinne Murphy received the award at a ceremony in the Clayton Court Hotel in Dublin on Wednesday, October 17. This award seeks to recognise a Practice Nurse who has made an outstanding contribution to patient care in their sphere. 
Gráinne is originally from Keelagh, Virginia, and Aughacashel, Ballyjamesduff. Daughter of the late Teresa and Mattie McDonnell and step daughter to the late Denis O' Shea. She attended St. Mary's NS, Virginia and Virginia Vocational School, now known as Virginia College. 
Gráinne now resides in Drogheda with her husband Ian and their three children, Shauna, Laura and David. She is a practice nurse working in Southside Medical Centre, Dublin Road, Drogheda.
Her nursing colleagues proposed the nomination and it was Joan Pentony who put the wheels in motion. The papers were submitted and there was a great sense of achievement on every level to make the final four nominees.
Gráinne extended her thanks and appreciation to all her family, friends and colleagues for all their support and good wishes.
"A special thanks to Joan and Pat Pentony for their support and encouragement. A massive thank you to all my wonderful colleagues at Southside Medical Centre, Dr Nikki McCaffrey, Dr Asta Didziule, Sandra McQuillan and Fergus Walsh who were unwavering in their belief."
Gráinne also expressed her gratitude to her former work colleagues Dr. Anne McGahon and Dr. Richard Gavin who supported the nomination.