It really was a night to remember for nursing recruitment agency Nurses Now in Raymond Terrace winning both the health and medical award early in the night and then later being announced as the Overall Business of the Year.
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For business owner and manager Laurinda Pericleous, the news is still sinking in.
"It really has been very overwhelming, I'm still having to pinch myself now," she said.
The accolades sum up what has already been quite a year for the privately owned family business, as it continues to move from strength to strength. With a successful branch in Tuggerah Business Park running since 2009, Laurinda took the plunge to open a second branch in Raymond Terrace in April this year and hasn't looked back since.
"I have always been quite fearful of expanding, in case I couldn't get it right in another location. But we have a concrete formula for how we run and how we take care of our nurses and clients and its proving itself yet again here in Port Stephens."
The two branches now employ 550 nurses, focusing on providing nurses with placements that suit their specific needs.
"We have always ensured that we listen to the nurses that register with us. If someone wants to only work night shift then that's what we will offer them, if someone is only available for two days shifts a week then that's what they will get."
It's a focus that extends right throughout the business and a mantra of Laurinda and her team that has undoubtedly contributed to their success.
From free AHPRA (Australian health Practitioners Regulation Agency) recognised training for nurses to a custom built app for both nurses and clients, Nurses Now prides itself on giving the best to the people that matter to their business.
"I firmly believe that we must always treat people with respect. Our word is our word and we are proud of the relationships that we have built because of our values."
In a people business relationships are key. Laurinda is proud to relay that the first nurse registered with the business in Tuggerah ten years ago is still working with them today.
Both children, along with husband Nick are part of the business, with daughter Rose (a registered RN and midwife) providing mentoring to junior nurses.
Since winning the awards, the Raymond Terrace branch has grown by another 15 nurses, it's a trajectory that Laurinda hopes will continue.
"If could find another 100 nurses today I would have work for them."
If you are interested in registering for work with Nurses Now then please call 1300 301 493 to book an appointment or visit:www.nursesnow.com.au.
