Stage 1
Patrick Darling MACN(Student)
» About me
Patrick is currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing with Deakin University and has a keen interest in areas such as Emergency and Critical Care, Rural & Remote Nursing as well as Mental Health. Throughout his studies he has been involved in the Students as Partners Advisory Group, which plays a key role in supporting Deakin’s future vision and strategy as well as improving the student experience. He was selected to participate in the Cultural Intelligence Accelerator program – an online leadership program designed to cross divides and thrive in multiple cultures. Patrick was also successful in securing a place in the Integrated Nursing fellowship program between Deakin University and Alfred Health. Patrick is always seeking out and taking part in personal and professional development opportunities, and is most looking forward to the mentoring, career coaching and leadership workshops that the ENL program offers.
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Claire Stafford MACN(Student)
» About me
Claire is completing her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Notre Dame Australia this February 2023 and will begin her graduate role in May at a busy Sydney hospital. Claire began studying nursing as a school leaver after finding her passion for human anatomy and humanities, since then she has not looked back after igniting her enthusiasm for the profession of nursing. During her studies, Claire worked as an assistant in Nursing, Rapid Antigen Testing nurse and Pharmacy Dispense Technician. Claire has a particular interest in critical care, maternity and rural remote nursing, aspiring to one day work as a flight nurse. In her spare time, Claire enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the great outdoors and sailing.
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Joceline Turner MACN(Student)
» About me
Joce is in her final year completing a Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. With an undergraduate degree majoring in Psychology, she has a strong passion for mental health, recovery and well-being. Joce has previously done volunteer work as a committee chairperson for a not-for-profit organisation facilitating support groups in prisons and institutions and has recently been elected as WA State Coordinator for the Kawasaki Disease Foundation of Australia, where she aims to raise awareness and support after her son’s diagnosis. Joce has a passion for mental health and the AOD sector, where she currently works in a support role and hopes to remain in this field for her nursing career, eventually progressing to a Nurse Practitioner. Joce has a keen interest in leadership development and is looking forward to beginning her journey in the ENL Program 2023.
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Stage 2
Jade Chen MACN
» About me
Jade was a stage 1 ENL in 2022. She is a newly graduated nurse working in Western Australia. She was awarded the Student Leadership Award for her engagement in peer support and student engagement activities in the Sunshine Coast community. Jade is passionate about personal well-being, clinical education, and professional development. She has a keen interest in safe, effective and empathetic patient-centred care, as well as quality improvement in health care settings. Jade seeks every opportunity to develop both professionally and personally. Jade is excited to continue her ENL journey with ACN in 2023!
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Rhiarna Ball MACN(Student)
» About me
Rhiarna completed her Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) at Monash University in November 2022 and commenced a Nursing/Midwifery graduate year at Peninsula Health. Rhiarna has developed a passion for leadership throughout her life thus far from former work as a dance teacher, personal trainer, and retail manager. Rhiarna was also incredibly lucky to undertake many leadership roles throughout her university studies, including a recent trip to Germany to represent the Monash School of Nursing at a Transnational Education Initiative. Rhiarna is looking forward to combining her love of nursing and midwifery with leadership coaching from the ACN in the ENL program, meeting like-minded individuals along the way. Outside of healthcare, Rhiarna loves the outdoors, gardening, and crochet.
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Julia Charalambous MACN
» About me
Julia is a 2022 Bachelor of Nursing graduate, with a background in public relations and communications. Julia transitioned to nursing when she needed more tangible outcomes for her energy, knowing nurses can profoundly impact their patients’ lives. During her studies Julia had the opportunity to participate in two research projects exploring access to care. The socio-political environment of healthcare is something Julia is interested in pursuing. Julia was also a peer learning facilitator for Queensland University of Technology’s Nursing Compass mentoring program, drawing on and fuelling her passion for empowering others. When Julia isn’t studying or working you’ll find her learning to sew, or pottering in her garden with her faithful hound in-tow. Julia is delighted to be a part of the ENL 2023 program. She looks forward to growing her professional network of nurses dedicated to positive change, and to carving out her path as a passionate nurse leader.
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Yeonjoo (Ella) Choi MACN
» About me
Yeonjoo completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Griffith University in 2022. Yeonjoo is excited to be an empathetic registered nurse as she commences her graduate year. Yeonjoo wants to truly provide holistic patient-centred care through collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Yeonjoo boosts her motivation to care for people while she provides care for residents and patients as a personal care assistant (PCA) and undergraduate student in nursing (USIN) during her nursing degree. Yeonjoo developed her leadership and communication skills through activities, including serving as president of the Korean Cultural Club at Griffith University and being a peer mentor in a nursing program. Yeonjoo believes that leadership skills are essential to achieve her goal of becoming a person who can support the equity of the healthcare system for every human being. Yeonjoo is excited to improve her leadership skills in the Emerging Nurse Leadership program in 2023.
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Francesca Devir MACN
» About me
Francesca graduated from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Nursing in December 2022. Francesca discovered her passion for person-centred care whilst working as a Procurement Category Manager for a large not-for-profit aged care provider. Seeing how her Senior Clinical Nurse Advisor colleagues influenced positive resident care outcomes, Francesca pursued her nursing options to become a ‘career switcher’ and formalise her innate desire to provide care and assistance to others. Her vision for nursing is one where a patient is accompanied in solidarity on their healthcare journey. She believes that nurses play a pivotal role in patient advocacy and self-management education with the growing rate of chronic disease in the community. Francesca looks forward to developing her transferable leadership skills from broad life experience with her ENL colleagues to inspire best practice nursing care in meeting patients’ evolving healthcare needs.
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Bronwyn Hausler MACN
» About me
Bronny has been a scrub / scout EN for over 8 years in both the private and public health sectors and has now proudly completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University, Gold Coast with high distinction.
She has accepted the role as RN (Registered Nurse) Graduate at the Queensland Children’s Hospital commencing January 2023 as a pediatric anaesthetic and recovery nurse and awaits this new role with tremendous enthusiasm. Bronny has also been invited to participate in research programs within this role, working with the Acute Pain Service for pediatric patients.
After a supportive and wonderful learning experience with the ENL (Emerging Nurse Leader) program throughout 2022, Bronny is once again looking forward to pursuing her leadership skills further under the guidance and support of the ENL program in 2023. The absolute highlight of her professional year was attending the ACN (Australian College of Nursing) National Nursing Forum in Darwin, and she has no doubt that this will be just as rewarding and inspiring when the Forum reconvenes in Adelaide.
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Paige Isley MACN
» About me
Paige is a stage 2 Emerging Nurse Leader (ENL) and Registered Nurse with a passion for women’s health. As a member of the NSW Sydney Region leadership team and the Next Gen COI team, Paige is dedicated to making a positive impact in the healthcare field. Currently on maternity leave, Paige also has a strong interest in holistic health. She is a practicing yoga, Pilates, meditation teacher and birth & postpartum doula.
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Olga Novak MACN(Student)
» About me
Olga completed her Bachelor of Nursing last December 2022 at La Trobe University in Shepparton. She wishes to remain and work in a regional Victoria and support the local Nagambie and surrounding community to become a Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and critical care nurse. Olga has a passion for nursing since moving to Australia and aspires to become a critical care nurse in the future. Born in Poland has largely shaped Olga’s unique perspectives, aspirations and has shown Olga that if you dream big, anything is possible, and along with hard work one can make ordinary things turn into extraordinary accomplishments. Olga believes that the Emerging Nurse Leader program 2023 will bring a new view into her nursing career and is looking forward to the beginning of this fantastic opportunity and adventure with ACN. Olga strongly believes in the Australian Aboriginal Proverb stating that “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home”.
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John Russell MACN
» About me
After graduating school in 2015, John enrolled in a Bachelor of accounting and finance at ACU. He finished this degree in 2018, and subsequently enrolled in Nursing. John is studying three units a semester and expected to complete in June 2023. John has enjoyed attending three rural placements, two at major rural referral hospitals, he has a keen interest in Rural healthcare. John currently works in a retirement village in the suburb of Belrose, within the northern beaches of Sydney. He works as a personal care worker and has been an employee there since October 2021. On completing his degree, John has plans on studying his masters of health services management at UTS.
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Mia Vlok MACN(Student)
» About me
Mia is very passionate about nursing and women’s health. She has found that she had a keen interest for research in nursing and saw the value research can have on the lives of everyday people and the communities around us all. Mia studied nursing at Western Sydney University and joined the Bachelor of Nursing Advanced course where she was provided with the amazing opportunity to join the summer and winter scholarship programs. This involved doing research with the university on topics in nursing such as violence affecting nurses in the workplace and how Australian women experience menopause. Mia hopes to one day achieve a nurse practitioner position in women’s health and get a PhD in the same nursing area to have further opportunity for research and to make a real difference in the profession of nursing.
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Wenjia Wang MACN
» About me
Wen was an international student at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and completed her Bachelor of Nursing Science in 2021. Currently, she is working on the Graduate Nurse Program and the Transition Support Program (ICU) with Queensland Health, aiming to become a CCRN in the future. Being passionate about student support, social justice and professional development, she has volunteered as a Mentor at USC, helping nursing students with their placements, job seeking, interviews, etc.
Wen has also participated in many nursing research projects such as revealing work challenges of Aged Care nurses, discussing difficulties faced by international nurses in Australia and sharing coping strategies.
Aiming to become a CCRN and nursing educator, ENL will be an excellent opportunity to recognise her leadership potential. Wen would like to undertake the ENL program and the Transition Support Program (ICU) together to develop practical leadership skills.
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Emily Zhang MACN
» About me
Emily completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University in 2022 and has commenced her graduate year for 2023. Emily was committed to improving student experience and was an active member of the university community. She worked as a Wellbeing Ambassador and volunteered as the Undergraduate Student Representative on the Faculty of Health Teaching and Learning Committee, 2021 Vice President and 2020 Marketing Coordinator of the Deakin Health Promotion Society, 2020 President of Fair Trade Vision Burwood, Health Peer Mentor and Deakin Teddy Bear Hospital volunteer. One of Emily’s university highlights was her Remote Fiji Study Tour, which sparked an interest in health promotion and global health. To support the COVID Response Workforce, Emily worked as a RUSON on medical wards and COVID vaccination clinics. She has an interest in surgical/perioperative nursing and plans on pursuing postgraduate studies with the hopes of making a difference in people’s lives.
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Stage 3
Dannielle (Elle) Blackburn MACN
» About me
Commencing her nursing career in 2020, Elle worked at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland’s largest tertiary facility in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit. Throughout her time there she encountered a wide demographic of patients varying in complexity which formed the foundations for her nursing career. Elle also acted as a Peer Responder for hospital staff, providing emotional support and mental health advocacy within the workplace. Elle now works as a Clinical Nurse within state schools to provide health promotion and health literacy. Her key area of interest is in sexual and reproductive health, with passions in providing accessible and inclusive health care for women and the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Rebecca Chau MACN
» About me
Rebecca (pronouns: she/her) graduated with a Master of Nursing Science from the University of Melbourne. She is now a graduate nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) having rotated through their Nephrology/Endocrinology and General Surgical wards. Having started off as a Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON), then transitioning into a graduate RN and next year a Registered nurse Introduction to Speciality Education (RISE) program participant before potentially commencing postgraduate study; Rebecca is modelling the RMH scaffold to suit her nursing interests. Rebecca currently aspires to become a rural/remote nurse to combine her interests in nursing and travelling. Rebecca completed Stage 2 of the Emerging Nurse Leaders program last year. Her key takeaway was to say “yes” to all of the opportunities the program offered. In doing so, she has surprised herself and surpassed any of her wildest dreams. She is looking forward to expanding her leadership qualities and network in ENL Stage 3.
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Jaimee Dawes MACN
» About me
Jaimee is currently on her first year of practice as a registered nurse after completing her Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University. She is working as a preoperative nurse for 15+ years. Most of those years in the role of Advanced skilled Enrolled Nurse whilst she studied part time, raising her family (3 children 11yr, 9yr and 6yr) with her husband is a FIFO worker. She has continued working in theatre as a senior member of the unit. She has a passion for teaching, supporting all her fellow colleagues and providing preceptor support for new staff and postgraduate nurse. I look forward to developing my leadership skills with the Emerging Leaders Program.
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Sara Fedrick MACN
» About me
Sara works as a Haematology/ Oncology Registered Nurse at The Wesley Hospital. She was initially encouraged to peruse her passion for leadership after being awarded the Long Tan Australian Defence Force Leadership and Teamwork Award. While completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Queensland she was part of the Nursing and Midwifery Student Association (NAMSA) executive team and participated in student mentoring. Since then, Sara has completed a postgraduate certificate in acute care nursing and looks forward to engaging in the learning and leadership opportunities the ENL program offers. Sara’s vision for the nursing profession in Australia is that a multidisciplinary approach is taken to achieve best patient outcomes. The patient and their families should always be at the centre of their care, with the multidisciplinary team acting as a support network to ensure informed decisions are made regarding treatment and/ or symptom management. In Australia, every nurse can advocate for best patient outcomes and should strive to achieve this to the best of their ability.
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Diane Heart MACN
» About me
Diane is a registered nurse living in Western Australia. She has a background in research, published several papers and writes regularly for the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) The Hive magazine on topical discussions such as climate change to raise awareness of the health emergencies. Currently, Diane works as a clinical trial coordinator to develop new medical interventions to improve the lives of people living with illness and disease and to develop pharmacological medications to eliminate disease completely. Diane loves what she does and although she doesn’t work clinically; she feels her work in clinical trials and research is making a meaningful difference to patient lives and to improve policy making and healthcare system processes. Outside of work, Diane loves cycling, dragon boat racing and long walks with her partner and dog Louis. This is Diane’s third year taking part in the Emerging Nurse Leader Program (ENL), during which she has grasped every professional development opportunity which has helped her advance her career. Diane also enjoys giving back, last year, she took part in the staged leadership opportunity as part of the ENL program to support new ENL’s. The ENL program is a prestigious program and an absolute pleasure to continue; Diane looks forward to meeting you at all future engagements as she progresses through the program.
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Kate Ledger MACN
» About me
Kate completed her Nursing Graduate program at Fiona Stanley Hospital in WA, primarily within the Acute Medical Unit in 2022-2023. within her graduate year, she also worked within the Infection Prevention and Management team as a Staff Health Immuniser for the 2022 Flu Season; undertook a secondment to the Ambulatory Multidisciplinary Assessment Clinic within the emergency department; conducted various clinical and workplace risk assessments and audits to ensure compliance, helping with her wards reaccreditation process in 2022, and gained the role of, Work Health and Safety Representative for her clinical area. Within the Australian College of Nursing, Kate holds the role of Communications Coordinator for the Disaster Health Faculty, and has interests in further developing her skills within the disaster health setting. Kate completed Stage Two of the ENL program in 2022, and looks forward to the challenges and exciting new opportunities Stage Three has to offer in 2023.
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Michael Leocadio MACN
» About me
Michael is an internationally educated nurse, who served as a nurse, researcher, educator, and administrator in the Philippines, South Korea, the Middle East, and Australia. He has a doctoral degree in nursing and currently a scholar of ACN to specialise in the field of mental health nursing. He is also a certified life coach and mindfulness practitioner. Currently, Michael functions as the Staff Development Educator at Bethesda Clinic, Western Australia. Aside from mental health nursing, Michael is committed to work on how electronic medical record (EMR) can facilitate efficient and effective nursing care. He is currently involved with a team at ACN in operationalising the National Nursing and Midwifery Digital Health Capability Framework. Michael is hopeful that the ENL program will equip him with competencies to become a nurse leader and create networks and linkages to broaden his horizon and perspective as a professional nurse.
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Bowen Li MACN
» About me
Bowen graduated with a Master of Nursing Science from the University of Melbourne. He works as a Mental Health Registered Nurse and AoD services. He will commence his post-graduate studies for advanced mental health nursing in 2023. He wants to take the opportunity to participate in the ENL program to gain new perspectives and inspiration in his nursing career, expand connections and develop leadership skills and advanced practice. His current career outlook aims to focus on cultural minority groups and provide culture-appropriate, recovery-oriented and person-based care. He is also interested in cooperating aspects of family relations and family therapy into his practice to offer sustainable and holistic mental health support.
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Lucy McKenna MACN
» About me
Lucy graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing / Paramedic Science at the Queensland University of Technology in 2018. She began working in the Endoscopy Unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) in 2019. In 2021 she began acting as Clinical Nurse – Procedural, within the Endoscopy Unit where she began her leadership journey. Alongside her clinical work, Lucy additionally participated in clinical research and implemented a recycling program in her department. Beginning mid 2022, Lucy is currently working as the Clinical Nurse Clinical Facilitator as well as completing a contract as a Clinical Nurse – Research, both within the Endoscopy Unit. Lucy is passionate about patients and their experiences as well as evidence-based practice.
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Caitlyn Moore MACN
» About me
Caitlyn is a passionate, dedicated registered nurse in her second year of practice. Caitlyn is excited to continue into her second year of the Emerging Nurse Leader program after being involved in a diverse range of opportunities in Stage 2 last year including presentations, article submission, networking, event planning and delivery, representation, and mentorship. 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. 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 continue to engage in the ENL program and is grateful for all the amazing opportunities that will present themselves within this program.
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Hayley Pollock MACN
» About me
Hayley is an early career registered nurse working in paediatrics. Hayley graduated from Swinburne University of Technology, and completed her graduate year in 2022 in metropolitan Melbourne, where she rotated through neonatal intensive care and paediatric oncology and general medicine. Hayley is currently undertaking a transition to speciality practice program in paediatric intensive care. Prior to becoming a nurse, Hayley worked in the policy and projects branch of the NSW public service after obtaining her Bachelor of Psychological Science. Hayley’s approach to patient care is grounded in the philosophy of strengths-based nursing. She prides herself on being a fierce advocate for the needs of her patients and their families and is passionate about empowering the families she cares for to be active participants in their loved ones healthcare team. Hayley hopes to see the culture of early career nurses shift, and fundamentally believes that this starts by approaching nursing education from a strengths-based approach and moving away from a deficit based model of care. Outside of her clinical work, Hayley is a member of ACN’s Melbourne region leadership team and is interested in pursuing research focusing on leadership and communication in the clinical space.
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Lele Xu MACN
» About me
Lele is a registered nurse at Monash Health, Melbourne. She had more than 10 years’ experience as a lecturer and researcher in China. Lele’s has a passion for nursing and 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 all she desires. 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. She wants to be equipped with solid nursing knowledge and skills, explore and develop nursing leadership skills. Lele believes the ENL program can help me to grow professionally in my nursing career.
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Stage 4
Omobonike Aina MACN
» About me
Nike obtained her master’s degree in Nursing Practice (entry to practice) from University of New England Armidale in 2018, and currently works as an RN in Renal Dialysis and aged care settings. As a Nurse Ambassador in the Kidney Health Australia Nurse Ambassador Program- a joint initiative between Kidney Health Australia and the Renal Society of Australasia, Nike’s role involves supporting the delivery of KHA’s services and programs to people with kidney disease and enhancing awareness of kidney disease within her local community.
Prior to becoming a Registered Nurse, Nike obtained her Bachelors (Hons) degree in Biological Science from Coventry University UK, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health from University of East London UK. She then worked as a: (data) research analyst for a study on Lysosomal Storage Disorders and as a laboratory analyst in the UK. She also worked as a Public Health Officer in Nigeria, and as a Data Manager at St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
Nike is looking forward to enhancing her leadership skills and collaborating with like minded nurses, and is optimistic that the ENL program is a step in the right direction!
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Jocelyn Anderson MACN
» About me
Jocelyn completed Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University in 2019 and was lucky enough to be accepted into a graduate transition program within mental health. She then went on to complete her Masters of Mental Health Nursing and worked in multiple setting in mental health including acute inpatient unit, adult community, as well as child and youth. After completing her placement in Child and Youth Mental Health, she knew this was her passion and area of interest and this is where she has remained.
Jocelyn is excited and honoured to be part of the Emerging Nurse Leader Program and look forward to the experiences it will bring.
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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, formal and informal mentors. Lyndel completed Graduate and Transition years of Nursing at Bass Coast Health. Lyndel is currently working within the Learning and Development Team as a Blood Transfusion Trainer, and within the District and Palliative Care Services Team. She has volunteered across many organizations whilst studying and has developed an interest in Mental Health and Health Equity. Lyndel is passionate about assisting people to live their lives with as much autonomy as possible in a setting that is appropriate for them, whilst relieving pressure on inpatient services. Lyndel recently joined the Australian College of Nursing Faculty team as Secretariat Support and hopes to continue to be involved in promoting nursing in the Community. Lyndel recently joined the Global Nurses and Midwives Rotary Club to further develop understanding of health inequities across the world, differing approaches and challenges to health care across the globe and be involved in projects to reduce health inequalities. A thirst for knowledge and improvement in nursing practices drove Lyndel to apply and continue to participate in 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 worked as a Neonatal ICU nurse for two years before moving to her current role as a Paediatric ICU nurse at The Childrens Hospital at Westmead. She enjoys the diversity and challenges that ICU nursing offers and has a keen interest in critical care, education, leadership and humanitarian nursing. She has worked with vulnerable populations across NSW through outreach programs, helped develop a leadership unit of study for university, and was Vice President of her university nursing society. After completing a Summer Research Scholar program, she worked at the Cancer Nursing Research Unit at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in her last year of university, where she had her first publication. In her spare time, Nasiba enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.
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Alicia Linnane MACN
» About me
Alicia has been working as a Registered Nurse since 2019. She started her nursing journey by undertaking a two-year Mental Health Graduate Program and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice at the University of Melbourne. Since graduation, Alicia has worked to diversify her skill set and work in varied environments. She currently nurses’ across mental health, corrections and aged care. She is passionate about mentoring and teaching and has recently completed a Certificate IV in Training and assessment. Alicia is excited to be a part of the Emerging Nurse Leader program and is committed to continuing to develop and expand her leadership skills throughout the program.
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Ellie Pich MACN
» About me
Ellie is a registered nurse working in a busy emergency department for the past four years. She loves critical care nursing and the chaos of emergency! Ellie thrives on the challenges, constant critical thinking, problem solving with working with the interdisciplinary team- including paramedics!
On her days off you can find her reading, working out, listening to lots of Taylor Swift and making content on her tiktok. Ellie’s passion on social media is to create a more positive outlook on nursing and safe space for new nurses and nursing students.
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Telma Pinto MACN
» About me
Telma is an experienced Registered Nurse currently working as Clinical Nurse Leader. She has been leading and managing a team of skilled Registered and Enrolled nurses for the Reliance Medical Group since 2020, has over five years experience in Primary Care and is an Authorised Nurse Immuniser. Telma completed her nursing degree in Portugal and has lived on the NSW Central Coast since 2016 with her family. She is passionate about health prevention and leadership and is a strong advocate for the role of nurses in Primary Care.
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Codie Reupert-Allen MACN
» About me
Codie is currently a registered nurse working in the operating theatres at Peninsula Health in Victoria. She came to nursing in a roundabout way having first completed a degree in Developmental Biology at Monash University before returning to study and becoming a registered nurse in 2020. Codie has recently completed a Diploma in Advanced Nursing – Perioperative with Deakin University and have a passion for perioperative nursing. She enjoys learning, sharing knowledge and teaching others. Codie’s aspiration is to be a leader in perioperative nursing to ensure that patients receive the best and safest care.
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Jenna Ricciardi MACN
» About me
Jenna graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from The University of Notre Dame Australia in 2019 and commenced a graduate program at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in 2020. Whilst at SCGH she gained experience working in different surgical specialities and procedural environments. Jenna has almost completed a Graduate Certificate in Health Professional Education, but will continue to study her masters in this field. Jenna recently commenced a position at Graylands Hospital in the Infection Prevention and Control department, starting as a Registered Nurse but now in an acting Clinical Nurse position. Initially, she was worried leaving the clinical environment, but now absolutely loves working in a service that aims at promoting, preventing and controlling infectious diseases. Her role strongly relies on effective leadership and education, therefore Jenna believes this program will be highly beneficial to her. Jenna is privileged and eager to take part in the ENL program in 2023. She anticipates that the program will enhance her leadership abilities and prepare her for upcoming responsibilities in clinical leadership and education.
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Corey Sclater MACN
» About me
Corey is a Registered Nurse who is the Manager of Nursing & Midwifery Workforce Leadership and Development at Far West Local Health District New South Wales Health. Corey over the past few years has been heavily involved within the realms of remote and rural healthcare, where his passion first began when he was deployed as part of an International Emergency Medical Team to Papua New Guinea, as Clinical Nurse Mentor/Educator. During his time in Papua New Guinea, Corey had many roles with St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea including Acting Director of Nursing of the Nightingale Covid Care Field Hospital in Port Moresby, Aeromedical Clinician, and Clinical Nurse Mentor/Educator. During Corey’s time in the Nightingale Covid Care Hospital, he worked alongside key national stakeholders to create and implement an unprecedented New Graduate Program for nurses and midwives which is now in the process of being nationally recognised and endorsed. Corey has a Post Graduate Diploma in Acute Care and is furthering his studies through currently studying a Masters in Acute Care. 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 Coordinator’ and additionally, the ‘Divisional Registered Nurse’ of Western Suburbs Adult Division.
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Manu Sood MACN
» About me
Manu is a mental health (MH) and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) registered nurse currently working in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Sydney. He is a recently accredited Nurse Immuniser and is continuing further post-graduate studies. He has worked across emergency, short-stay, inpatient, community and outpatient settings in both public and private sectors, in education, mentoring and case management roles. Most recently, he was part of a pilot COVID-19-specific specialist mental health and homelessness team in Western Sydney, which was established as a permanent team on the project’s 18-month review. Outside work, Manu enjoys hikes with his dog, lazy Sundays, and is slowly learning to cook. Manu is looking forward to the opportunity to collaborating with other nurse leaders to develop and implement systems for improved screening, assessment and treatment in MH and AOD clients.
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Brooke Valiantis MACN
» About me
Brooke began her career with an interest in orthopaedics and spinal cord injuries after working as a disability support worker for spinal patients during her undergraduate degree. After completing her Bachelor of Nursing in 2019, Brooke chose to expand her knowledge in this field by undertaking her graduate program in the Spinal Injuries Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Shortly after completing her graduate program, Brooke transitioned to paediatrics and is currently working on the Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical ward at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. Brooke has a thirst for knowledge and a passion for education, leading her to pursuing a graduate certificate in paediatric nursing which she completed in 2022. As a team leader on her ward, Brooke is eager to participate in the ENL program and is looking forward to putting her newfound leadership skills into action.
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Stage 5
Alice Barrett MACN
» About me
Alison has been a Registered Nurse since 2018, she worked her graduate year in Sydney before moving down to Hobart, Tasmania. Since working in Tasmania, Alison has dabbled in Mental Health, Emergency, ICU and Education. She has completed her Honours in Nursing, Graduate Certificates in Mental Health and Emergency Nursing and is currently completing a double Masters in Public Health and Global Health. Alsion has been an ACN member since 2021 and was the winner of the Safety and Quality Poster Presentation in the 2022 National Nursing Forum. She is looking forward to meeting other aspiring nurse leaders in the ENL program and work towards her goals in leadership.
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Sarah Fray MACN
» About me
Sarah is a registered nurse who has been working on a mixed specialty ward (Respiratory, Renal and Gastroenterology) since 2018 after completing her graduate nurse program. Currently she is working as an acting clinical nurse and acting clinical facilitator for this ward. While acting in these positions, Sarah provides leadership and guidance to undergraduate students, registered and enrolled graduate nurses and also senior work colleagues. She believes that developing her knowledge in leadership and mentoring will help her succeed in her professional career pathway. This is why the emerging nurse leadership program was an important aspect to complete and enhance her existing skills as well as discover new ones.
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Sara Goode MACN
» About me
Sara has been a Registered Nurse for 5 years, commencing her career in Aged Care and medical/surgical nursing as a graduate at Benalla Health. She moved to Albury/Wodonga Health undertaking rehabilitation nursing on a mixed rehab ward and is now working in General Practice within Gippsland. Currently she works part-time whilst raising three beautiful foster children who are in her care. Sara’s passion within nursing is all things wounds, which has developed steadily over the years, with her goal being to help reduce the rates of chronic wounds within the community through better educating nurses and patients about how to manage wounds, thereby reducing the burden and cost on the healthcare system. Sara is currently undertaking the Master of Wound Care with Monash University to become a Wound Consultant and assist in working towards one day achieving her goal.
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Aishwarya Gummadavelly MACN
» About me
Ash is an experienced Team Leader who has practiced in both Private and Public Healthcare sectors in New Zealand and Australia. She has many years of experience as a Registered Nurse in and across the majority of hospital wards (including medical, surgical, day surgery, endoscopy, neurology, addiction, mental health, older adults and rehabilitation), as well as within community settings as a covid-19 contact tracer and health screening nurse at an Immigration Detention Centre. Ash has experience in telenursing in both medical triage and mental health counselling as well as training students, graduates and new staff. She has also utilised evidence-based research in developing an anxiety management and behavioural change programme that utilises neuroplasticity and neurogenesis which is taught at AODs units. Ash holds a postgraduate certificate in advanced nursing practice and is currently studying Master of Health Leadership and Management. Her long-term goal is to lead organisations within leadership and management roles.
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Christopher Hinder MACN
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Christopher is an emergency nurse currently employed with Health Care Australia’s rural and remote team. Chris has completed the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) program at The University of Wollongong, where he was awarded Class I honours for his thesis on safety culture. Currently in his final semester, studying a Master of Emergency Nursing at the University of Sydney, Chris’ aim is to develop his knowledge and skills to become a clinical nurse specialist in emergency and continue to improve his research skills focussing on safety culture and person-centred practice.
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Benjamin Jenkins MACN
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LT Benjamin Jenkins has spent the last 3 years as full-time Nursing Officer in the Australian Army. During his service Ben has led teams on three rotations of Operation COVID-19 Assist, most recently into regional aged care facilities within Victoria. In 2022 Ben was the Training Officer for his unit whereby he led a team to establish and deliver all military and clinical training for members across Victoria and Tasmania. Within ACN Ben established and hosted the first two seasons of the ACN podcast, and has spent three years on the Military Nursing Faculty.
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Emily Newton MACN
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Emily is a Clinical Nurse Specialist working in a Mental Health Intensive Care Unit (MHICU). She has worked in this Mental Health Intensive Care Unit for the past five years since coming through as a New Graduate Registered Nurse.
Emily really enjoys working in Mental Health Nursing especially the MHICU environment as every single day is different. She recently completed her Masters of Mental Health Nursing with Distinction. Emily is passionate about reducing violence and aggression and is a Safe Care Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) Trainer and enjoys teaching staff. She is also passionate about the importance of clinical supervision. Emily looks forward to the opportunities the ENL Program has to offer and its ability to grow her leadership skills to be a better Mental Health clinician.
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Deanne Stefanek MACN
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Deanne has been a Registered Nurse since 2015 after working several years as an EN within aged care, Gen med, palliative care, Oncology, Prison health & Emergency nursing. She has since completed her Graduate Diploma in mental health & has found her profession within psychiatric care.
Deanne has recently become a clinical nurse working both in a psychiatric intensive care unit, open acute wards and a busy emergency department as a Psychiatric liaison nurse. She loves the complexity & chaos of acute mental health. Deanne thrives on the challenges, constant critical thinking & pressures working within the multi-disciplinary teams. She has a special interest in both borderline personality disorder & acute psychotic illness. Deanne is passionate about education & creating a safe space for new nurses and nursing students, holding the student portfolio allows her an area to do this.
On her days off you can find her at the beach, reading, working out or spending her days with her family.”
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Aya Torbey MACN
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Aya graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Queensland in 2018. Since then, she has worked in Intensive Care Units in the QLD and NSW public health systems. Aya has a passion for lifelong learning, which led her to complete the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing in October 2021. Aya is passionate about supporting and mentoring nursing students and graduate nurses and was appointed as the Secretariat Support of the Next Generation Nursing Faculty in late 2022. Aya is honoured and excited to be participating in the ENL program again in 2023 and hopes that she will further develop her leadership skills to prepare her for future roles in education and clinical support.
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