Erin Quirke is a dedicated Emergency Department nurse with over 14 years of experience, with a special interest in paediatric emergency care. Identifying a critical gap in paediatric education at North West Regional Hospital (NWRH), Erin developed a structured paediatric progression pathway for ED nurses, grounded in evidence-based practice and clinical relevance. She also reviewed and adapted the Queensland Health Optimus CORE program to create a tailored framework that builds nurses’ confidence and capability in managing paediatric emergencies. Her initiative has significantly improved paediatric care in the region and the Optimus Program is now being adopted region wide, setting a new benchmark for paediatric emergency education across Tasmania. Erin also leads interdepartmental training days, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across clinical teams. Her work exemplifies nurse-led innovation, demonstrating how targeted education, research, and compassionate mentorship can enhance patient safety, empower staff, and drive system-wide improvement.