Stage 1
Jade Chen MACN(Student)
» About me
Jade is an undergraduate student at the University of Sunshine Coast (USC), passionate about peer support, student wellbeing, and professional development. She was an international representative on the Nursing Student Association’s executive board, a Student Ambassador of Study Sunshine Coast in 2021, and a Student Experience Mentor at USC, where she provides support for commencing student nurses and shares her experiences. Earlier this year, Jade contributed to Clinical Communication workshops as a student facilitator. She also contributed to the new HLT103 course Health Communication for first-year student nurses, midwives and paramedics, leading to some great video clips and a commendation from the Deputy Head of School, School of Nursing Midwifery and Paramedicine.
Jade seeks every opportunity to develop both professionally and personally. She is eager to start her ENL journey with ACN in 2022! Jade has a keen interest in safe, effective and empathetic patient-centred care, as well as work health and safety education. She aims to be a Nurse Practitioner in the future.
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Bronwyn Hausler MACN(Student)
» About me
Bronwyn is entering her final year of the EN to RN Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University, Gold Coast. After graduating a Diploma of Nursing in 2014, Bronwyn has had a successful career as a perioperative Endorsed Enrolled Nurse in both the private and public health sectors. She is a Hand Hygiene Auditor, MAGNET Ambassador, and is often called upon to precept new or junior employees. Currently, Bronwyn is a Bachelor of Nursing Course Advisory student committee member at the recommendation of her Course Co-Ordinator. She was also awarded a full scholarship to attend the Australian College of Nursing 2021 National Nursing Forum. Bronwyn provides all-encompassing, holistic care to her patients, and takes pride in leading by example. Upon graduating her degree, Bronwyn looks forward to transitioning into a broader scope of practice and realizing her full leadership potential.
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Paige Isley MACN(Student)
» About me
Paige is currently a Bachelor of Nursing student, International Student Mentor, Student Advisor for the Health Vertical Committee, and Student Ambassador at Torrens University Australia. She was elected President of the Student Representative Council at Torrens University and acts as a strong advocate for the voice of nursing students. She also established and now heads the Women’s Society to raise awareness around equality and health issues.
A passion for anatomy, physiology and an insatiable curiosity for understanding diverse perspectives has led Paige to become a qualified yoga, Pilates & meditation teacher as well as a practising birth and postpartum doula. Holding a unique skill set, she strives to offer a dynamic and holistic approach to health care.
In 2022, Paige’s goal is to obtain acceptance into Midwifery studies. Long term, she has ambitions to become a world-leading Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Her dreams also extend to lecturing, leadership and improving women’s rights and health globally.
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Sandra Kumar MACN(Student)
» About me
Sandra is a final year undergraduate student at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne and a member of the Mercy Health clinical school in West Melbourne. She has taken on a role with Monash Health as a RUSON and otherwise spends her time tutoring or volunteering locally! Sandra has a keen interest in paediatric nursing, cardiac care and peri-operative nursing. As someone with years of experiencing teaching others, Sandra looks forward to becoming a well-rounded health professional who is compassionate and capable of teaching and inspiring the next generation of nurses. She believes the ENL program is the first step in developing her leadership skills within the nursing context and truly understanding her own areas for improvement.
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Helen Papandreou MACN(Student)
» About me
Helen is currently a second year Bachelor of Nursing student at La Trobe University in Melbourne. Helen has always been interested in healthcare and since discovering nursing as a career pathway, she has been obsessed. Since starting her degree, Helen has joined the Nursing and Midwifery Students Association (NMSA), helping fellow nursing students gain access to career opportunities, like mentors, webinars and networking. Helen is currently working as a pharmacy assistant and registered undergraduate student of nursing to increase her clinical knowledge and advance her nursing career. In the future, Helen hopes to work in underdeveloped countries and provide care to those who cannot access safe and effective healthcare.
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Lele Xu MACN(Student)
» About me
Lele is an undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing student at Deakin University, Melbourne. Lele has had more than 10 years’ experience as a lecturer and researcher in China and has a passion for education. She loves to help other nurses to become the best nurses they can be. The job of lecturing, curriculum planning, teaching and mentoring, is what she desires most. Her career goal is to become a nurse educator. Lele believes the ENL program can help her to grow to be a competent nurse educator. Lele wants to be equipped with solid nursing knowledge and skills, explore and develop nursing leadership skills. She believes the ENL program can help me to grow professionally in my nursing career.
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Stage 2
Deborah Allen MACN(Student)
» About me
Deborah known to her colleagues as ‘Debbie,’ is currently studying her Bachelor of Nursing through UniSA, due to finish 2021. Debbie is a mother of 2, Kingsley and Monroe and works frontline in the states COVID response. Debbie commenced her career as a Trainee Enrolled Nurse at Orange Base Hospital in 2000. Upon graduation in 2001, Debbie set her sights on the glitz and glamour of Sydney and over the next 4 years worked her way around most of the major hospitals. In 2005, having developed a craving for adventure and a desire to experience other health systems across Australia, Debbie embarked on her journey across Australia. Over the last 20 years, Debbie has amassed significant experience in multiple areas of the country’s health networks, Debbie decided to take the next step and become a Registered Nurse. Midway through her degree, due to her high GPA, Debbie was invited by the nursing faculty to participate in the Student Leadership Group. By taking this step, and through participation in the ENL program, Debbie is looking forward to learning how to share her knowledge with others and develop mentoring and leadership qualities.
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Rebecca Chau MACN(Student)
» About me
Rebecca will be transitioning into one of Melbourne’s newest graduate nurses. She was inspired to pursue a career in nursing following volunteering work with St John Ambulance. Rebecca saw the incredible impact healthcare workers could have on everyday individuals in the community and found immense satisfaction in that. One of her strongest qualities is my mindset to take every opportunity to continue to grow. Rebecca has held committee positions for the Melbourne Flames Dragon Boat Club and the Melbourne University Nursing Student Society, where she only beginning to explore her mentoring and leadership potential. Professionally, Rebecca aspires to be a successful Nurse Educator in the future. Rebecca is honoured to have been considered for Stage 2 of the prestigious ACN ENL program and is excited for the opportunity to push the boundaries and see the ripple effects for years to come.
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Keann (Qi En) Chong MACN(Student)
» About me
Keann is a new Registered Nurse in Queensland Health, working in Logan Hospital in the areas of Endoscopy and Acute Medical. He graduated from the University of Queensland in 2020 with a Master of Nursing Studies and a Bachelor of Health Sciences – Major in Public Health. Keann is passionate about frontline nursing care and how every interaction with patients can have a meaningful impact on their health outcomes – not only medically but in terms of their lifestyle choices, mental health and social health. Having grown up in Singapore and also completed his Public Health Major on a 6-month exchange program in Seattle, Washington, Keann is very invested in how global factors, socioeconomic dynamics and health systems can make a considerable difference in how patients and families engage with health care. He hopes to eventually pursue a career in Anaesthetics, Emergency, or critical care. Keann highly values personal development and community mentoring, and was President of the University of the Queensland Hip-Hop Dance Society in 2019, a club that he has volunteered in from 2015-2021 in areas such as dance teaching, deejaying, emceeing, community event management and stage productions. Creating safe spaces for young people to be physically and mentally active, collaborating and positively engaged with peers is always on his heart.
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Molly Costin MACN(Student)
» About me
Molly is a graduate from Deakin University and completed the Bachelor of Nursing/ Public Health and Health Promotion in 2021. Molly was and active member of the university community, and in the final two years of her undergraduate degree was the President of the Deakin Nursing and Midwifery Society. She held a position as a Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing in her last year of study, and also completed work as a PPE Spotter on a COVID-19 ward in 2020. Molly has interests in critical care and regional/ remote health care. After completing undergraduate placements in ICU and CCU, she has interests in future postgraduate study in critical care and emergency, and would ultimately like to work regionally in these areas. She will complete her graduate year in one graduate nurse program, but with two separate hospitals, one in metro Victoria and another in regional Victoria. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her dogs and baking.
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Monica Dellaca MACN(Student)
» About me
Monica will graduate from her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Notre Dame Australia at the end of 2021 and will undertake her Graduate Nurse year in 2022. Monica pursued Nursing as a school leaver to combine her love for sciences and humanities, and over three years has fallen in love with the profession. Monica has many areas of interest in Nursing but is most excited to explore her passion for rural and remote healthcare. Throughout University, Monica has worked with the Notre Dame Nursing Society as Academic Representative and then as Volunteer Liaison, advocating for her peers and working with industry professionals to provide networking opportunities through volunteer work. These roles ignited Monica’s ambition to become a future nursing leader to address gaps in the healthcare system across Australia. Monica describes a vision of a future where nurses are supported in strong leadership roles to advocate for communities.
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Michael Galvin MACN(Student)
» About me
Originally from Ireland, after 10 years in Far North Queensland I am currently working as a first year Graduate Nurse in a rural hospital. Currently, I am focused on learning about Mental Health and Emergency Nursing care in the rural and remote setting to enhance my skill set to provide responsive, compassionate and person-centred care that meets the needs of the local community. Having been a Peer Assisted Study Session and Mentor Leader for JCU Nursing and Midwifery, I have a keen interest in student education and support and hope that participation in the ENL will further my ability to impact in this area. I am excited to engage with colleagues from across the country and to contribute to a wider debate on the future of nursing.
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Diane Heart MACN(Student)
» About me
Diane is an undergraduate student Nurse at the Bunbury South West campus of the University of Edith Cowan. Diane loves being involved in community health and has participated in many volunteering projects. Diane favourite volunteering roles were assisting in a mobile health clinic and providing health care to the homeless, also working in specialised dementia care and providing therapeutic interaction to residents through the facilitation of engagement workshops. From this, Diane has utilised the opportunity to develop her professional skills and therapeutic patient interaction.
Diane is a well-travelled individual and spent six years travelling the world and integrating into the community. From this, she has learnt the importance of health education to eliminate common illness, and disease also the necessity to active listen to aid in patient informed care. Currently, Diane utilises her skills in patient-centred care by working as an AIN at her local aged care facility and PCA (patient care assistant) at her local hospital. Diane has a keen interest in public health education and assisting everyone in receiving free, equitable health care. Diane intends to achieve this by one day working as a nurse practitioner in the community and empowerment people to better health by providing informative care in regional and remote communities. Diane is excited to be engaging in the ENL program and looking forward to the opportunity to further developing her leadership learning skills.
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Nicole Hibbert MACN(Student)
» About me
Nicole will be graduating with her Bachelor of Registered Nursing at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, in November 2021. Nicole was inspired to pursue nursing after gaining a role as a receptionist in a GP and specialist ENT clinic and seeing the impact and fundamental role nurses had on people and their families. Nicole’s vision is to continue to empower the nursing profession to promote health to all members of society, empowering them to take control of their health. Nicole believes nurses have a unique position to understand the patient journey, working closely with them throughout their healthcare experience. Nicole’s vision for advancing the nursing and health profession is to promote nurses through leadership to promote education and advocacy to empower nurses in supporting patients. Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex with higher acuity patients. This has inspired Nicole’s passion about higher education as an essential component of nursing. Through advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills, nurses can educate patients to promote their health, particularly those members of society who are vulnerable. Nicole has volunteered throughout her undergraduate degree, including her netball team’s coaching, as she is passionate about keeping young women and children healthy through staying in the sport. In addition, she has run multiple workshops focusing on goal setting as a positive vision forward for members. These experiences have inspired Nicole to develop her leadership skills in the Emerging Nurse Leadership program in 2022 to create a vision of a healthy community and healthy nurses.
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Zacquiline Lao MACN(Student)
» About me
Zacquiline is a recent graduate of the Master of Nursing Science course at The University of Melbourne. She believes nursing is an integral part of the healthcare system and is an excellent and rewarding career. Zacquiline believes that the values every nurse should have are self-awareness, compassion, justice and resilience which enables nurses to provide the best care possible while being respectful and culturally safe. I joined the ENL program in the hopes to advance my leadership skills, confidence and knowledge to provide high-quality, holistic patient-centred care. As nurses, we are advocates for patients and should constantly strive to enhance our skills and maintain excellence in our nursing practice.
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Kate Ledger MACN(Student)
» About me
Kate is a recent Master of Nursing Practice graduate from Curtin University in Western Australia, and has recently commenced work in the Acute Medical Unit as a Registered Nurse, at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Kate also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology Preclinical and has worked as an Ambulance Transport Officer for Western Australia’s Ambulance service, St John WA for over five years. She has identified an interest for acute care, and intends to develop a strong nursing foundation in the acute medical setting before branching into either Emergency or Intensive Care nursing. Kate is passionate about providing holistic and compassionate care to her patients, and is enthusiastic to incorporate her previous pre-hospital, educational and voluntary experiences in her nursing role. Kate is interested in practice improvement, specifically working towards reducing early career burnout in nurses and is keen to further develop clinical education opportunities. She is excited to be a part of the Emerging Nurse Leader program, and is eager to make change from the ground up.
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Pamela Madoyris MACN(Student)
» About me
Pamela will be graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry) degree from the University of Western Sydney and undertaking her graduate nursing year in 2021. Pamela’s inspiration to pursue nursing stems from her experience of the incredible impact that nurses have on not only patients, but also their families and loved ones, after her younger sister spent a year as an inpatient as a child. After completing a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney in 2019, Pamela went on to study nursing in order to develop a more holistic skillset so that she can provide the best possible care to her patients. With a keen interest in cellular pathology and physiology, completing a nursing degree allowed Pamela to “connect the dots” between theoretical science and interpersonal care. Pamela elected to undertake clinical placements in regional NSW, and as a result developed a real love for regional and remote healthcare, ultimately applying for her new graduate year in the Western New South Wales Local Health District. These experiences have created an eagerness to provide healthcare services to disadvantaged communities and Pamela aspires to be an integral part of the future of nursing leadership within these regions. Pamela is extremely excited to develop and enhance her leadership skills through the 2022 ENL program.
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Claire Mangan MACN(Student)
» About me
Claire is currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University. Having a particular interest in critical care and mental health nursing, Claire is looking forward to transitioning into the rural healthcare workforce in 2022.
Having taken a Graduate Entry pathway, Clare has embraced the opportunity to experience nursing in rural and regional Victorian healthcare organisations. She is an active member of the La Trobe Nursing community, currently serving as a student advisor on the board of the Rural Health School and University wide Excellence Academy. Claire’s abilities have been acknowledged as the recipient of two distinguished awards for academic achievement. A highlight of her degree has been collaborating with students from US, Spain and South Korea in a virtual international exchange program which enabled her to develop a global perspective on healthcare, nursing education and nursing workforce issues. Claire is passionate about promoting public health and wellbeing and looks forward to the opportunities the Emerging Nurse Leader program will provide in 2022.
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Caitlyn Moore MACN(Student)
» About me
Caitlyn is a passionate, dedicated new graduate registered nurse. Caitlyn embarked on her journey to become a nurse after falling in love with studying anatomy and physiology; nursing presented the perfect combination of helping others first-hand, continually applying knowledge, and being hands-on. Having completed her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Wollongong in 2021, Caitlyn has gained a broad range of experience through clinical placements in Cambodia and in rural hospitals and was actively involved in leadership positions including Senior Nursing Representative in her university’s rural health club, and student representative in the School of Nursing and university’s Student Advisory Council. Caitlyn is a strong believer that all people have leadership capabilities and roles, even without the title, and endeavours to embrace all opportunities for personal and professional growth. Caitlyn is excited to engage in the ENL program and is grateful to be chosen for such an amazing opportunity.
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Maria Nguyen MACN(Student)
» About me
Maria is a graduating Master of Nursing Science student from the University of Melbourne, due to start her Graduate Nurse Program in 2022, having previously completed a Bachelor of Science (Human Structure and Function). She was highly engaged in her student nursing community as President of her Nursing Student Society and as an Elsevier Student Nursing Advisory Board member. With a keen interest in oncological nursing and patient care & advocacy, Maria strives to further her leadership abilities through the ENL program – looking forward to the opportunities to develop both professionally and personally.
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Hayley Pollock MACN(Student)
» About me
Hayley is due to complete her Bachelor of Nursing through Swinburne University of Technology at the end of 2021 and looks forward to commencing her graduate year in 2022. Hayley is also the co-secretary for ACN’s Melbourne Region. Prior to pursuing nursing, Hayley obtained a Bachelor of Psychological Science from UNSW and worked as a policy and projects officer in the Department of Justice and Ministry of Health in the NSW public service. Although at the very beginning of her nursing career, Hayley is a passionate advocate for the importance of leadership in nursing and is committed to advancing the leadership skills of the nursing profession and believes this starts with nursing students.
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Katherine Saw MACN(Student)
» About me
Kate will graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Notre Dame, Sydney in December 2021. Prior to enrolling at Notre Dame, Kate pursued a circa 15-year career in Investment Banking, working internationally and specialising in commodities and research before switching gears to pursue her dream of working in healthcare. Kate is passionate about contributing to the nursing community as an agent of positive change, and is part of the Leadership Team for the ACN Sydney – NSW Region, serving as Communications Coordinator. Kate actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills, with her professional interests including palliative care, clinical trials and research.
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Renata Sivacolundhu MACN(Student)
» About me
Renata is a newly graduated nurse working in Western Australia. Renata was inspired to go into nursing as a mature age student after seeing the invaluable contributions of healthcare workers in situations of disaster, forced migration and conflict during her previous career in the humanitarian sector. Having worked with Red Cross, the United Nations and Red R Australia, Renata’s background is in international law, human rights, media and communications and humanitarian response training. Renata is commencing a graduate program at Royal Perth Hospital in 2022 where she hopes to pursue her interest in trauma and critical care nursing. She has a keen interest in simulation-based learning and the role of nurses in disaster response. Renata is excited about the connections and opportunities presented by the ENL program!
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Ross Stewart MACN(Student)
» About me
Ross will be graduating from his Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Notre Dame at the end of 2021 and will be undertaking his Graduate Nurse year in 2022. Ross is incredibly passionate about strong and reliable representation within nursing and is dedicated to supporting his fellow colleagues. In his time as president of the Notre Dame Nursing Society, Ross collaborated with both the faculty of Nursing and fellow student colleagues to organise a major networking event connecting over 390 nursing students with over 40 industry representatives. Ross is also passionate about the importance of nursing education and its role in empowering nurses to make meaningful changes within the Australian health care system and elevating the profession of nursing within our community. Ross is excited to engage in the Stage 2 of the ENL program in 2022 and continuing the development of his leadership skills under excellent nurse leadership mentors.
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Francis Tojong MACN(Student)
» About me
Francis is an enthusiastic, third-year nursing student at La Trobe University in Bendigo, Victoria and will be finishing his nursing studies at the end of 2021. Francis’ work experience as a personal care worker inspired him to make a positive influence in rural health. He is interested in providing more access to nurses in rural and regional parts of Australia. Francis is passionate about developing a more equally represented nursing workforce that is inclusive and diverse, breaking down gender stereotyping and empowering marginalised people, including those from cultural and/or diverse backgrounds, in joining the nursing profession. Francis hopes that the path of his nursing career will lead him into primary health care or mental health nursing. He wishes to be partners in health promotion, preventing illness, provide early intervention and disease management within the local communities. Francis is keen to assist in addressing the inequalities and disparities in accessing professional nurses as a resource to the prevention of disease, providing early intervention and disease management within the community.
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Lara Wakefield MACN(Student)
» About me
Lara began studying nursing in 2019, she is currently finishing her final year of her Bachelor of Nursing through Charles Sturt University. Lara chose to study online because she lives in rural Victoria on a farm with my husband and three kids, it gives her flexibility to study around other commitments. Lara’s passion for rural health began as a member of the Board of Directors of her local health service. She is driven to contribute in a meaningful way so that my local community has equitable access to health services. Whilst studying, Lara has been working in social support with the same local health service, this has been a great opportunity to support the local community through some very challenging times.
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Katherine Weikel MACN(Student)
» About me
Kate will complete her Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) at Monash University at the end of 2021. Originally hailing from the U.S., Kate spent her teenage years growing up overseas in Shanghai, China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. As a student at Monash University, Kate, most notably, volunteered as the President of Peer Mentoring (2021). This, along with her previous roles as Vice President (2019) and Near-Peer Teaching Coordinator (2020), has allowed Kate to explore mentorship and leadership. Throughout her time at Monash University, Kate has volunteered as a Student Representative for the Nursing and Midwifery course, the Education Representative for the Monash Student Union at Peninsula, a General Representative for the Nursing Club and as a Social Media Ambassador for her course. One of Kate’s highlights at university was her internship with Oxford University’s Clinical Research Unit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which helped to spark her interest in public health development. Following a few years of clinical practice, Kate hopes to once again venture overseas with organisations such as MSF and perhaps complete further study in the global health field.
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Tim Pickering MACN(Student)
» About me
Tim will be graduating from Australian Catholic University at the end of 2021 and will be undertaking his Graduate year in 2022. Tim was previously in the Royal Australian Airforce and was drawn to Nursing at a late age after he suffered from GBS (Guillain Barre Syndrome) and spent nearly a whole year in hospital, 4 months of that in ICU intubated and completely paralysed. Tim experienced the high’s and lows of being a patient and was in awe of the nurses and medical professionals who not only kept him alive, but provided excellent medical and holistic patient centred care. Tim’s decision to study nursing and ‘Give Back’ for the care he received was an easy one when he was medically discharge from the RAAF in 2019. There is a saying that ‘It’s not what you do for me, but it’s how you make me feel that I will remember the most’ and Tim knows first hand this is 100% correct, as after 6 years he can still recall how the fantastic nurses that cared for him made him feel. Tim works casually as an AIN at Sydney Hospital and also volunteers his time with St John Ambulance NSW in the community and is a leader in his Division, being the Second in Charge, and also a Clinical Facilitator and Educator. In his future nursing career, Tim wants to utilise his life experience as a patient, his leadership and values from the Defence Force, and his desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives, to be the best nurse possible and encourage other nurses to enter the ‘Patient Mindset’ and really advocate for patients and their care. Tim has definitive career goals after his graduate year, being to transition into becoming an Anaesthetic Nurse and then Transplant Nurse Coordinator. Following that he will aim to move into leadership and education after further post graduate studies.
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Stage 3
Sara Angelkoski MACN
» About me
Sara will be graduating from her graduate certificate to specialise in practice nursing at the Australian nursing College in July 2022. Sara was inspired to pursue Nursing as an AIN following her mother-in-law becoming sick and needing care. Sara completed Aged care certificate IV at the University of Wollongong College in 2015. She went on to complete her diploma of nursing at the University of Wollongong College in 2016 – 2017. Eager to expand her knowledge Sara studied the Bachelor of Nursing at the university of Wollongong in 2018 -2019. Whilst studying, she attended required clinical placement hours and this showed her the importance of patient care and how it can impact on patient health outcomes. This is when she decided that the hospital settings were not for her, and that general practice was where her heart lies. Sara is very passionate about work diversely within the Illawarra community and provides great health outcomes for patients. Throughout her bachelor’s degree, Sara was working within general practice as an endorsed enrolled nurse and obtained a certificate IV in training and assessment to be able to continue her career path to become a trainer for the university of Wollongong College diploma of nursing. This lead her into two job roles within the university of Wollongong College as peer support leader and clinical placement coordinator for the diploma of nursing. Within Sara’s new graduate year as an RN, she became the nurse team leader of three medical practices. Sara wanted to continue to expand her skills / knowledge with youth drug and alcohol abuse and to achieve this, she has obtained a position at the Triple care farm. These experiences have driven Sara to push herself to become a future nursing leader to address the gaps / needs of the community health care system. Sara is eager to start her ENL program in 2022.
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Gemma Ayres MACN
» About me
Having graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2018, Gemma began her nursing journey at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Feeling inspired by the careers of her mentors, Gemma was encouraged to peruse her passion for leadership after expressing desired create positive change in future nurses. Gemma’s vision of the future is one of empowerment, unity and wellness. Where nurses are encouraged to build their professional careers and feel empowered and supported in this pursuit. Having heavily benefited from close mentoring, Gemma would wish to cultivate an active, clear mentorship environment, where succession planning into senior roles is at the forefront of junior nurse development. Encouraging and inspiring young nurses to become tomorrow’s leaders, rather than aspirations of these roles being reserved to the minority. Gemma feels that the Emerging Nurse Leaders Program will provide her with the tools to make positive change in the workforce and is excited for 2022.
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Teegan Banks MACN
» About me
Teegan completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Tasmania. She had worked as an Assistant in Nursing prior to gaining employment at Tasmanian Health Service, where, for the past two years she has been working on both Medical and Surgical Wards. Teegan loves her job and always wants to continue learning and re-learning.
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Francesca Coulthurst MACN
» About me
Francesca completed her Bachelor of Nursing Graduate from Southern Cross University (SCU), Lismore. She was fortunate enough to be offered a place in the Honours program, which is a scholarship from SCU and NSW Health, whilst working in the field of where she was practicing nursing within a stroke and respiratory ward, with stroke being the focus of her honour’s thesis. Francesca’s goals include being a nurse practitioner within neonatal care, of which has remained her goal for an extensive period of time, and given her determined nature, she believes she will attain her goal, Francesca cannot wait for her journey, and paths of which she may endeavour along the way.
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Lyndel Echter MACN
» About me
Lyndel became an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse in 2017, and a Registered Nurse in 2019. She credits her interest in nursing to her relatives who are also nurses and her peers in nursing as inspirational supports and informal mentors. Lyndel is due to complete her Transition Year at Bass Coast Health early 2022 and has returned to university to complete a Masters of Public Health. A thirst for knowledge and improvement in nursing practices drove Lyndel to apply to the Emerging Nurse Leader program in the hope of one day being able to facilitate larger scale positive change within the Australian Health Care System
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Nasiba Faiz MACN
» About me
Nasiba graduated from the University of Sydney with a distinction average after studying Medical Science and Nursing. She is now a NICU Registered Nurse working at Westmead Hospital who has a keen interest in education and professional development, research, critical care, and humanitarian aid. Nasiba has worked with vulnerable populations across NSW through outreach programs and actively engaged with her university community as Vice President of the Nursing Society and Student Ambassador. She helped develop a unit of study for university over a 5-month collaborative program called ‘Leadership Open Learning Environment’. After completing the Summer Research Scholar program, she continued to work in the Cancer Nursing Research Unit at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse where she had her first publication. In her spare time, Nasiba enjoys a challenging hike, a good read, and bike riding with her sisters, and is looking forward to further developing her leadership capacity through the ENL program.
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Carina Fernandes MACN
» About me
Carina is a first-year registered nurse currently completing her new graduate program in the Medical Assessment Unit at Nepean Hospital. Previously, she completed a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science (Molecular Biotechnology) degree but decided to combine her love for science with her drive to help her community and pursue her passion for nursing. She decided to become a nurse because she believes that this will be her platform to help make a difference. She has a wide range of experience in research, leadership, community engagement and project administration. At university, she was a PASS Facilitator for Bioscience and has worked as a Western Success Student Advisor who contacts international nursing students through the university to support them during COVID-19 pandemic. She was a member of The Academy at Western Sydney University and working towards the Citizen Scholar Award and Reading Ambassador program. She is an UNAI Millennium Fellow and participated in the University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Malaysia in 2019. She was also a WSU Mates Mentor, part of the WSU Academic integrity video and LEAD Program. Within her community, she volunteers as a member on the Penrith City Council Resilience Committee and is a member of the Lion’s Club. She was nominated for the Woman of the West Awards – Community 2020, the winner of the ZEST – Western Sydney University Unsung Heroes Award 2019, The Academy Awards of Excellence for Community Engagement – 2018 and on the Western Sydney University – School of Nursing Dean’s Merit List. Carina is humbled and excited to be part of the Stage 3 of the Emerging Nurse Leader Program.
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Kelly Ford MACN
» About me
Kelly is currently working in the outpatient Oncology setting as an RN, with the career goal of becoming an Oncology CNC. Kelly graduated from ACU with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing/Paramedicine, and has recently completed his new graduate year at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce. During his career, Kelly has led quality improvement projects to maximize immunosuppressed patient safety within his department. He achieved this by creating an electronic appointment system that decreased patient hospital exposure times and produced safer nurse to patient ratios. Currently, Kelly is leading a hospital-wide education program to train staff in port-a-cath management. Kelly hopes to develop his leadership qualities and skillset within the ENL program, allowing him to better care for my patients and colleagues. Alongside gaining further understanding of the creation and implementation of healthcare policy. Ultimately, preparing him for a future of leadership within the Australian Healthcare system.
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Karen Gillies MACN
» About me
Karen completed her graduate registered nurse program at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in August 2021. She is currently work in the Emergency Department which is a very high paced, challenging and stimulating environment. Karen has completed a Trauma Nursing Course and is currently working towards a post-graduate degree in Emergency Nursing. Karen has completed the Emerging Nurse Leader Stage 2 program and is looking forward to commencing Stage 3 and experiencing the opportunities it brings in 2022.
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Ashlea Hull MACN
» About me
Ashlea is a 2019 nursing graduate from the University of Tasmania to which she has completed her transition to practice clinical honours. After working on a general medical ward for 11 months, Ashlea was accepted into an advanced practice program in the ICU where she has been able to deliver quality and safe person centred care in critical and often trying times for patients and their families. Ashlea’s biggest joy is building interpersonal relationships with her patients and their families, she uses this rapport to provide patient education and increasing health literacy. Contrary to the intensive environment, Ashlea is also passionate about primary health care and preventive health. She believes nurses are the key to an effective health care system if they are used to their fullest potential, particularly in the primary health environment, enduring leadership and more complex roles to contribute positively to the people of Australia and their health outcomes. Committed to her own education, she learns something new everyday in the ICU and has enrolled in a graduate certificate in critical care.
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Bree Macaulay MACN
» About me
Bree is currently a Registered Nurse in the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Emergency Department. Her nursing career began in Western Australia, where she completed a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Notre Dame before relocating to Tasmania to undertake a graduate program on the Rapid Assessment Medical Unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital. During her graduate year she explored an interest in tropical health, completing a Graduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control with Charles Darwin University. She has been proactive in leading numerous quality improvement initiative, drawing on her knowledge gained through these postgraduate studies to focus on infection control. Following the completion of her Transition to Practice Program she was thrilled to gain employment in the Royal’s Emergency Department and have the opportunity to explore her passion for critical care. Growing up Bree always had a passion for personal development and leading positive change – exploring these avenues through a multitude of co-curricular activities such as volunteering, scouting, sport, and representative councils. Looking to 2022 Bree aims to commence a Masters of Critical Care Nursing whilst continuing to lead and inspire positive changes within her organisation.
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Lisa-Maree Patterson MACN
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Lisa started her career in nursing after graduating from TAFE in 2016 with her Diploma of Nursing. Shortly after she began working at Dubbo Hospital in Western NSW where she looked after patients with a range of medical conditions.
In 2018, Lisa had the opportunity to move into the Paediatric Ward unknowing she would soon realise that this was her passion. Working in rural NSW no day is the same. Nursing a variety of both medical and surgical patients ranging from neonate to adolescents. There is always an opportunity to learn with many having medical conditions you may not get to see in a more metropolitan or specialised area.
She continued to learn and pushed herself to undertake her Bachelor of Nursing where she graduated from the University of New England. Her drive and passion pushed her again further where she completed her Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing from the Australian College of Nursing and the Emergency Nursing Paediatric Course from Australian College of Emergency Nursing.
Lisa is excited and honoured to be part of the Emerging Nurse Leader program and looks forward to the new skills and opportunities it brings. She aspires to become a strong nursing leader while continuing her love of learning and teaching in the field of Paediatrics.
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Emma Reardon MACN
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Emma is Graduate Nurse completing rotations in Emergency and General Medicine at a metropolitan Melbourne Hospital. Emma was inspired to pursue Nursing following healthcare work experience placements in which she saw the incredible impact that nursing care could have on patients and their loved ones. Emma describes a vision of a future where nurses are empowered to ensure that a holistic health approach is available for all patients and where nurses play a strong leadership role within the Australian health care system. Emma is passionate about health education and empowerment particularly in disadvantaged Australian communities. Since 2015 Emma has volunteered leading a team of peer university students to design and deliver health education workshops to enable disadvantaged youth to combat preventative health issues prevalent in their communities. These experiences deepened Emma’s drive to become a future nursing leader to address areas of great need within the Australian Health System. Emma is eager to engage with the learning and leadership opportunities that the ENL program offers.
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Corey Sclater MACN
» About me
Corey is a Registered Nurse currently deployed as part of an Australasian Emergency Medical Team in Papua New Guinea, as Clinical Nurse Mentor/Educator. Corey has a Post Graduate Certificate in Acute Care and is furthering his studies currently studying a Post Graduate Diploma in Acute Care. Corey during his new graduate year was awarded both ‘Champion of Change Nurse of the Year 2021’ for Prince of Wales Hospital and ‘New to practice nurse of the year for NSW’ for 2021, due to implementing a quality improvement project around standardising handover, which reduced poor patient outcomes by 30% within a 3 month period. Corey is also an avid volunteer for St John Ambulance NSW, Catholic Care Australia and St Vincent’s De Paul. During Corey’s time volunteering for St John Ambulance NSW, he has been in many roles, for example, being the current ‘Clinical Standards Facilitator’ on the Clinical Advisory Group of NSW, the current state-wide Clinical Advice Line Clinical Liaison Coordinator and additionally, the Divisional Registered Nurse of Western Suburbs Adult Division, to only name a few. Corey’s future aim is to study medicine where he believes he will specialise in infectious diseases or emergency.
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Stage 4
Joshua Contaoi MACN
» About me
Joshua is a 2022 Emerging Nurse Leader working at North-western Mental Health in Victoria, Australia. He is on course to complete the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice at The University of Melbourne, and aims to pursue the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice. Joshua has gained valuable clinical experience in three Mental Health Services: Community Care Units, Adult Acute Inpatient Units, and Adult Community Teams. Furthermore, he actively collaborates with mental health service users of diverse lived experiences, individual needs, acuity, and stages in their recovery journey. Throughout his Bachelor of Nursing degree in Victoria University, he was a Student Representative who actively participated in leadership, volunteering, social entrepreneurism, and cultural societies. Joshua aspires to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and engage in research and tertiary education. He is honoured to progress to Stage 4 of the ENL Program and continue his leadership journey.
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Chris Hinder MACN
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Christopher is an Emergency and Intensive Care nurse currently employed at The Wollongong Hospital. Chris has recently completed the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) program at The University of Wollongong where he was awarded a Class I honours for his thesis on safety culture. Commenced the Master of Emergency Nursing Program at the University of Sydney. Chris has an interest in rural and remote health care recently deploying with International SOS as part of a COVID-19 surge team for Western NSW. Chris’ aim in the ENL program is to continue to connect and engage with like-minded people and contribute to the ACN tribe.
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Kate Lennards MACN
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Kate began her Nursing career spending her graduate year in 2017 on Palm Island, Far North Queensland. This solidified her interest in working with remote and rural communities, a passion that grew from working in rural New South Wales as a student. Recognising the importance of having competent emergency clinical skills in areas with less access to resources and staff, Kate obtained a position at a tertiary hospital Emergency Department, and recently completed her postgraduate certificate in Emergency Nursing. In 2018 Kate undertook a month of international volunteer Nursing in a rural community in Kenya. She provided primary health education to all age groups across language barriers. Kate also provided clinical in-services with local health clinicians and worked on strategies to provide evidence-based practice using resources available within the community. Through this experience, Kate developed a passion for sharing her nursing knowledge and found enjoyment in supporting her international nursing colleague’s skill progression. She took this passion back home, and uses it to mentor nursing students, new graduates, and new colleagues to the specialisation of emergency nursing. Kate is looking forward to improving her leadership skills through the ENL program, to create positive change for Australia’s Nursing sector. She hopes to empower patients in rural and remote communities to make informed health choices; support her nursing colleagues in their career progression and collaborate further with international colleagues to provide better nursing care internationally.
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Sheldon Omwamba MACN
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Sheldon is a highly motivated and devoted Registered Nurse with a passion in Healthy Ageing and Chronic and Complex Healthcare currently working at Catholic Healthcare in Coffs Harbour as a Quality and Education Manager. Over the years, Sheldon has worked with a number of organisations including Ramsay Healthcare, Opal Healthcare, St John Ambulance, SES NSW, Australia Red cross Community Visitor program and Townsville Street Chaplains. Sheldon prides himself on his compassion and person-centred care and has a keen interest in dementia care and nursing leadership. Sheldon is excited to get selected to the prestigious Australian College of Nursing Emerging Nurse Leader program to reach his potential and truly make a difference in the field of nursing, especially to people living with dementia.
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Richelle Reid MACN
» About me
Richelle graduated from Griffith University Bachelor of Nursing in 2017 and has since completed the Master of Mental Health Nursing with Distinction. Richelle currently works as a Clinical Nurse in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry. She is recognised as a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse. Inspired by her mother, Richelle pursued nursing with the hope of helping others during their most vulnerable moments. Richelle’s nursing care is founded on compassion, empathy and respect, with a focus on the person and their recovery journey. Richelle is passionate about education and strives to build the capacity of her colleagues to provide the best possible care for consumers experiencing mental illness. Richelle’s future vision is that all health practitioners are empowered to proactively recognise and respond to the mental health needs of all consumers. Richelle is eager to participate in the ENL program. She is looking forward to collaborating with other upcoming nurse leaders to innovate and create positive change.
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Aya Torbey MACN
» About me
Aya graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Queensland in 2018. Since then, she has worked in the Intensive Care Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Aya has a passion for lifelong learning, which led her to complete the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing in October 2021. Within the ICU, Aya is dedicated to quality improvement, helping to implement new practices for palliative care patients and their families as an ‘End of Life Care Champion.’ Aya’s ambitions for the future include; becoming a clinical facilitator for nursing students, working for emergency retrieval services, and completing her Masters. Aya is honoured and excited to participate in the ENL program in 2022. She hopes that the program will develop her leadership skills as an early career nurse and prepare her for future roles in education and clinical support.
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Tatiana Zecher MACN
» About me
Originally from Colorado, USA, Tatiana Zecher has worked for public and private health systems in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy from St. John’s College, in Santa Fe, NM, her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Centre in Houston, her Graduate Diploma in Midwifery from La Trobe University in Melbourne and is currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne in a Research Master’s in Primary Care focusing on increasing emotional support structures for women experiencing miscarriages. Tatiana is a registered Nurse and Midwife with a passion for holistic patient focused care and delivering empowering childbirth experiences of all types.
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Stage 5
Tammie Breneger MACN
» About me
Tammie came into nursing after more than 20 years working her way through the other uniformed vocations – hospitality, policing and corrections and the imminent arrival of her baby son. She has always had a passion for helping others whilst developing new skills and discovering opportunities to test her skills. Whlst studying at Southern Cross Uni Tammie was actively involved in many student committees and was student lead to the B. Nursing program. Tammie was given the opportunity to lead and create the SCU Student Nursing Society and was student representative to the Non Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee. Upon completion of her undergraduate program in 2017, Tammie undertook the NSW Health Transition To Practice graduate year at Kempsey District Hospital working in both HDU and Medical Ward. In 2019 Tammie transitioned in Community Drug & Alcohol nursing and found her calling. Tammie works with and advocates for some of the most complex and vulnerable people in our communities and loves being challenged clinically and professionally everyday. Tammie commenced a M. Nursing in 2020 and is due to start the research study and thesis in her clinical specialty later this year. Tammie continues to cherish the opportunities to represent ACN in the ENL program and is anticipating a fantastic year ahead.
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Sophie Daniel MACN
» About me
Sophie is honoured and humbled by the opportunity to once again be a part of the ACN Emerging Nurse Leader Program. Sophie is both excited and amazed by all the learning opportunities she experiences each year, including working in a variety of clinical settings from Surgical Wards to Emergency Departments and across all areas of the Operating Theatres, in both public and private healthcare services. Sophie has a passion for education which stems from some of the amazing and knowledgeable nurses that she has met and who continue to inspire her every day. She has been a Course Coordinator for Diploma of Nursing Program, a Nursing Lecturer at the University of New England and is now a Clinical Nurse Educator with South Western Sydney LHD. Sophie believes it is important to support, encourage and educate our up and coming nurses with the skills, knowledge and right attitudes towards caring for others. The most important lesson nursing has taught her is there is no such thing as ‘just a nurse’. Being a nurse presents the opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life and to positively impact families and communities. As a nurse you are sharing a burden, lending a hand, wiping away tears, having a laugh and most importantly, uniting as one when things get tough. Sophie looks forward to enhancing her skills as a leader through the ACN Emerging Nurse Leader Program and all the opportunities this Program presents.
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Alison Gerrits MACN
» About me
Alison is an RN in the cardiothoracic unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. It has always been important to Alison that every patient receives the best possible nursing care and is treated with dignity and respect. Having recently completed her Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Cardiothoracic), Alison is committed to applying her specialised clinical skills alongside evidence-based practice, supporting her team and establishing strong rapport with her patients. Alison is looking forward to focussing her particular interest in cardiothoracic nursing toward new challenges in her nursing career and developing her leadership skills. This driving force behind involvement in this program is the opportunity to build on the skills required to lead, support, grow and advocate for her team. Prior to her current role, Alison worked as an RN in a general surgical unit. Before completing her nursing studies, Alison completed a Bachelor of Arts, studied abroad in France and Indonesia, worked in various tourism and customer service roles, and volunteered in disadvantaged schools.
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Michelle Jory MACN
» About me
Michelle is a Registered Nurse who has found her direction working in critical care environments. Since completion of her Bachelors degree in 2017, she has been working in a mixed Adult & Paediatric Emergency Department, delivering quality care across the lifespan. Michelle is dedicated to quality improvement within the health service and has undertaken various quality initiatives within her current role to enhance patient care. In 2020, Michelle completed a Postgraduate Certificate of Emergency Nursing in pursuit of specialist knowledge and expertise in critical care nursing fields. Michelle is dedicated to lifelong learning, and continues to seek learning opportunities to develop and grow in her profession. Michelle is passionate in providing support and guidance to graduate nurses to ensure their transition to practice is memorable. Michelle is a Clinical Coach for graduates at her workplace, and an Insight Mentor for graduates completing quality improvement projects. Michelle is proud to be an ENL for 2022 and is eager to dive into Stage 5 of the program.
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Louise Lommerse MACN
» About me
Louise is delighted to be given the opportunity once again to participate in the Emerging Nurse Leader program. She began her nursing career in a small rural hospital where her daily tasks could include preparing a trauma patient for retrieval to cooking breakfast for the patients. Having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her second year of nursing Louise moved from the public system to a private hospital emergency department. She has now returned to the public system but has stepped foot into Infection Control. Louise also works in an academic role, teaching nursing students at the local university. Since completing her Bachelor of Nursing, Louise has completed a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Healthcare, has become an EmergoTrain instructor and is currently undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership. Louise has an interest in disaster healthcare and hospital based emergency management. She volunteers with Disaster Response Australia and is the president of the Local Ambulance Committee, is the organising steward of the Blackwater Emergency Services Day. Louise would like to see more support for rural and remote novice nurses and more disaster and multi-casualty health awareness within hospitals. She will take this opportunity as an ENL to learn from others in the program and those in leadership positions to improve her nursing practice and forge a pathway into nursing leadership and management.
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Elen McDonald MACN
» About me
Elen graduated as a nurse and a midwife in 2016 at Latrobe University and went on to complete a mixed graduate program at Northern Health. Elen then worked across various specialties in acute care before developing an interest in community health while completing an immunisation course. Working, first as a volunteer, and then a staff member at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Elen found her home in health care. As part of the nurse-led clinic, Elen has been able to combine her passion for equitable and accessible health care with her love of client facing practice. Always looking for another challenge, Elen completed a Graduate Diploma in Child Family and Community Nursing in 2020 and now works across both the Refugee Health and Maternal Child Health sectors. Elen describes her vision for nursing in Australia as one where the healthcare system continues to move towards nurse-led models of care across all disciplines. Having seen Victorian nurses rise to the challenges of the last two years, Elen is keen to help harness the global support and energy created by COVID-19 to move Australia to being a world leader in nurse-led health care.
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Xue Hong Or MACN
» About me
Xue will be graduating from her Master of Clinical Nursing at the University of Tasmania during mid of 2022. She has worked in an operating theatre of a regional hospital for the past four years. Xue mainly focuses on anaesthetic and recovery but is known to enjoy scrubbing for emergency laparotomy. Prior to that, she dabbled a bit between medical ward, surgical ward, and high dependency unit. Xue has been participating quality and improvement projects in her workplace. She is passionate about change and supporting staffs through these changes. In 2022, Xue hopes that the ENL program can help her to further strengthened and enhanced her skills.
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Lisa Russ MACN
» About me
Lisa finished her graduate year in 2019, and in 2020, along-side being a part of the ENL program, she embarked on Postgraduate studies in Cardiothoracic Nursing. Lisa was drawn to the ENL Program as it continues to emulate her desire to become a well-respected leader of the nursing profession, now with a focus on the cardiothoracic nursing team. She is excited for the opportunities that 2022 will bring as she continues to develop her leadership skills and qualities, together with her speciality clinical skills, so she can continue to be an advocate for not only her patients and their families/carers, but also for the nursing profession in general. Lisa strives to be able to empower the nursing profession to provide safe, excellent and un-biased patient-centred care, an she knows that having the right person in the right role at the right time is paramount to the success of a unit and this ultimately results in better patient outcomes. Lisa is looking forward to achieving her goals by being able to work within a supportive network of like-minded individuals in the ENL Program in 2022.
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Amelia Simpkins MACN
» About me
Amelia is grateful to be part of the 2022 ACN Emerging Nurse Leader program. She is currently working at the Toowoomba Hospital in the Hospital in the Home Community Aged Care program. Amelia is passionate about health policy and governance and hopes to be involved and learn more about this area whilst participating in the program. Amelia is excited to get to know and work alongside the other ENLs to reach our potential and develop leadership skills.
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