Being named Beaudesert Hospital’s Runner-Up Staff Member of the Year came as a huge surprise to Monika Baca.
Since joining the team in 2022 as an Allied Health Assistant, she has made a lasting impact on both colleagues and patients - a fact made clear in the glowing nominations she received.
“I was shocked to be named runner-up,” Monika said. “But I feel incredibly grateful and humbled to know that others recognise my efforts and commitment.”
Monika’s colleagues describe her as the glue that holds the Allied Health team together. Someone who is always bright, happy, and positive.
When asked how she maintained such a strong mindset, even on tough days, Monika said it was a daily choice.
“Every morning, whenever a negative thought crosses my mind, I consciously replace it with a positive one,” she said. “Viewing challenges as opportunities to grow allows me to stay true to myself and find inspiration in the work I do.”
Beyond her positivity, Monika said teamwork was at the heart of everything she did.
“It doesn’t take much time to lend a helping hand, especially when I know that if someone is asking for help, they truly need it,” she said. “Even though we all work in different departments, at the end of the day, we have the same goal.”
One of Monika’s most rewarding career moments came in 2022, when she helped a paraplegic patient regain independence after nearly a year in care.
“We had the privilege of caring for a wonderful gentleman. It took months of motivation and encouragement to build his strength so he could regain independence and safely return home,” she said. “Through the team’s hard work, dedication, and commitment, we were able to ignite the spark of determination in his mindset, motivating him to persevere and not give up. Eventually, he built enough strength to transfer himself into a motorised wheelchair and return home to his family.”
Congratulations on the recognition and thank you for your contribution to making Beaudesert Hospital such a special place.