A former NHS cardiology nurse who puts her heart and soul into bringing joy into a Cardiff care home has been shortlisted for a top national award.

Georgiana Ionescu, who lives in Saint Mellons, was appointed general manager of Halmark Regency House Luxury Care Home in Ely, Cardiff, part of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, three-and-a-half years ago, bringing with her decades of clinical experience from cardiology, dentistry and audiology through to neurology and maxillofacial surgery.

The busy mum-of-two moved to the UK from Bucharest 14 years ago and worked as a nurse in cardiology at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff before taking on various nursing and leadership roles in social care settings.

The 38-year-old’s inspirational approach has now earned her a place in the final of the Wales Care Awards 2024 – dubbed as the social care industry ‘Oscars’.

Georgiana, who lives with her husband and has a daughter and son aged 10 and nine, has been shortlisted for the Leadership & Management in Residential Care Services Award, sponsored by Christie & Co.

Supported by lead sponsor Ontex Healthcare, and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, the awards recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, October 18, hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

Georgiana, who was previously employed as deputy manager at the home for six years before temporarily leaving to work in the NHS, said: “I was really chuffed when they told me I’d been shortlisted. It was completely unexpected. I’d like to bring the whole team with me so I’m not a solo winner!

“Working in care homes is not easy, you need to have a certain passion for it. I’m an only child and my parents both worked so I was raised by my nan throughout my childhood. I now see my nan in every resident I support and try to look after them as I would like my nan to be looked after. It’s in that kind of connection where I find my passion for my job.

“I’ve realised how important social care is and the impact we can make, because old age and moving into a care home is not the end of the road, it’s the beginning of a new road. There are lots of things to discover at the later stage of your life that bring joy to your life until the end.”

As a former cardiology nurse, Georgiana assisted a range of non-invasive surgeries including the fitting of stents and valve replacements. She described it as a ‘very adrenalin-driven job’ but said the pressure and experience had undoubtedly helped her in her current role.

“It’s mostly the influence of the people I’ve met and worked with along the way that have helped. They’ve all had different theories, practices and approaches to patients and management and obviously this is something I carry with me from wherever I’ve worked,” she said.

“As a working mum, it’s a juggle some days. You’re rushing from A to B and from C to D and thankfully I have a very capable and hard-working Head of Operations who’s as important to the team as myself. The team is so important. We couldn’t do anything without the team.”

Georgiana was nominated by Christine Ivins, Customer Relationship Manager, who described her as a ‘true champion’ who is leading the way for the working mum.

“She has these unique qualities that she has been able to pass on to her teams through her mentoring, leadership and encouragement,” she added.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Our aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social across Wales.

“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”