Stage 1
Rachel Famularo MACN(Student)
» About me
Rachel is currently completing her Bachelor or Nursing/Paramedicine degree at the Australian Catholic University in Brisbane. She is an active member of the nursing community as ACU as the President of the Brisbane Nursing Society, university PASS leader and Near Peer Tutor. Rachel currently works as a paediatric undergraduate student in nursing which provides her with great opportunities to increase her clinical knowledge and advance her nursing career. In the future, she would love to complete a post graduate degree as a nurse practitioner and work in third world countries where there is limited access to healthcare and health education. Rachel is very much looking forward to her time as an emerging nurse leader with the ACN and a fantastic last year of study.
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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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Rhianna O'Loughlin MACN(Student)
» About me
Rhianna is currently in her first year of Diploma of Nursing at Holmesglen institute after deciding to make a career change into nursing. This was prompted by a desire to ‘make a difference’ after spending 12 years in management and leadership positions within the residential construction industry and its focus on consumerism. Rhianna was one of only eight first year students to successfully obtain a fellowship position with the Epworth group allowing her to complete all of her placements within the organization and build and develop a professional network. Intending to go on to further study and complete a Bachelor degree on completion of her Diploma, Rhianna believes that the Emerging Nurse Leader program will equip her with the skills to transfer her existing leadership qualities to the field of nursing and is excited to commence this journey.
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Hayley Pollock MACN(Student)
» About me
Hayley is a Bachelor of Nursing student at Swinburne University of Technology having previously completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science at UNSW. Hayley spent a year working as a policy officer in the public service, however, she returned to study nursing as she was drawn to a career that would allow her to help people on a more personal level and engage with her love of science every day. Currently, Hayley works as a RUSON at a specialist hospital in Melbourne. Hayley is a passionate believer in nurses being advocates for their patients and hopes the unique insights of nurses continue to be brought forward and valued in the development of policy at a local and government level. Hayley enjoys the critical thinking that comes with nursing and has a particular interest in pathophysiology and mental health. Hayley has been inspired by many nurse leaders during her studies and hopes to one day become a Nurse Educator.
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Georgina Rudken MACN(Student)
» About me
Georgina is a third-generation registered nurse and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Health (Honours) at the University of Southern Queensland, majoring in Nursing. She is very excited to promote the nursing profession as a Stage 1 Emerging Nurse Leader, something she has experience with as a former president of the USQ Nursing Society and USQ Student Ambassador. Georgina is passionate about nursing specialisations that provide a large variety of patient conditions and care needs, especially in rural and remote health and primary healthcare contexts, with the goal to become a Nurse Practitioner later in her career. Georgina’s favourite bodily organs (in no particular order) are the liver, heart and the kidneys.
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Kate Saw MACN(Student)
» About me
Kate is an undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing student and Student Ambassador at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney. 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 works to support, advocate for and develop the nursing student community, initiating volunteering and mentoring programs as well as tutoring fellow students. Kate is passionate about contributing to her community as an agent of positive change and has represented the School of Nursing on the Student Affairs Committee, as well as the student body, as a member of the Nursing Society Executive Committee. Kate actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills, with her professional interests including clinical trials, health informatics and peri-operative nursing.
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Matthew Vicente MACN(Student)
» About me
Matthew is currently a third-year nursing student at Federation University Australia. His strong passion for leadership and nursing arises from his intrinsic desire to contribute and serve society. Matthew is currently employed by Nando’s Australia as a Restaurant Manager and relishes this opportunity to exercise his interpersonal and leadership skills. Authenticity, creating a meaningful shared vision for his team, cultivating a positive work culture, leading by example, identifying and implementing operational improvements and developing talents are effective leadership capabilities that he employs to successfully operate the restaurant. Matthew relentlessly seeks opportunities for self-improvement and advocates for the importance of leadership and interpersonal development to the nursing profession. He is aspiring to lead nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide the most benevolent and highest quality of care to the community.
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Stage 2
Brian Cheung MACN
» About me
Brian is a first-year graduate Registered Nurse working in Western Australia. As a new nurse, he is focused on using education and networking to develop both personally and professionally in the field. He is also passionate about the role of mentoring to develop the nursing workforce in ways that can complement current TAFE and university learning. He is the founder of the ‘Nurturing Future Nurses’ mentoring program at the University of Notre Dame, a successful program which links current students with early career mentors to support students during their transition into becoming Western Australia’s newest graduate nurses.
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Tessa Dunlop MACN
» About me
Tessa is a new graduate recovery nurse working for the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District following the completion of her Bachelor of Nursing. Tessa also holds a double degree in Commerce/Media, and worked as a Patient Liaison Officer, supporting and educating patients and their families throughout their hospital stay. Tessa found joy in teaching and building interpersonal relationships with her patients. This passion spurred her decision to complete her nursing degree and attain the Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Award at the University of Tasmania. Tessa highly values education and personal development and hopes to engage others to seek personal and professional learning opportunities within the healthcare sector. Tessa has a keen interest in perioperative nursing, mentoring, and has aspirations to become a Nurse Educator or Professor in the future.
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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 completing her Graduate Year at Bass Coast Health and hopes to return to university to continue to increase her nursing knowledge in the coming years. She has volunteered across many organizations whilst studying and has developed an interest in Mental Health and Health Equity. 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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Carina Fernandes MACN
» About me
Carina is a third year Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced) student. She has completed a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science (Molecular Biotechnology) degree previously 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. At university, she is a PASS Facilitator for Bioscience and has worked as a Western Success Student Advisor who contacts nursing students through the university to support them during COVID-19 pandemic. She is 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 a Western Sydney University Mates Mentor for commencing students, part of the Academic integrity video and LEAD Program. Within her community, she volunteers as a member on the Penrith City Council Resilience Committee, Vice President of the P&C at a school, runs reading and art groups and contributes to Cake Angels. 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 School of Nursing Dean’s Merit List. Carina is humbled and excited to be part of the Stage 2 of the ENL program.
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Karen Gillies MACN
» About me
Karen is currently working as a Graduate Registered Nurse at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in the area of Acute Medical Assessment and Emergency Nursing. Karen is passionate about Emergency Nursing, Critical Care and Mental Health. Karen’s role as PASS Leader for the Notre Dame School of Nursing and Midwifery, ignited her passion for mentoring, leadership and the importance of student and staff wellbeing. In the final year of her degree Karen travelled to Dingle, Ireland to undertake leadership studies, and this experience strengthened her interest in nursing leadership and mentoring. Karen is excited to begin Stage 2 of the ENL program, looking forward to the opportunities it presents and further developing her personal and professional qualities.
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Emma Reardon MACN
» About me
Emma will be graduating from her Master of Nursing Science at the University of Melbourne at the end of 2020 and will be undertaking her Graduate Nurse year in 2021. Emma was inspired to pursue Nursing following healthcare work experience placements during her Bachelor of Science 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. Throughout her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Emma 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. Having completed the stage 1 ENL program in 2020 Emma is eager to continue with her leadership journey in the second stage ENL program in 2021.
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Savannah Grudzinski MACN
» About me
Savannah is a final year undergraduate student at the University of Southern Queensland and loves being involved in university life and ACN. She is Vice-President of the Nursing Society, a student success leader, nursing student ambassador and an AIN at her local aged care facility. Last year, Savannah travelled to Singapore to attend the ICN Congress and it enlightened her to key global issues and the underlying mechanisms of change in healthcare. She loves seeking out opportunities to develop both professionally and personally and that is why she is so excited to continue the ENL journey with ACN! Savannah has a keen interest in rural healthcare and public health and would love to be a Nurse Practitioner one day.
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Emma Wright MACN
» About me
Emma is a newly graduated Registered Nurse in Melbourne. She previously worked as a project manager in Australia and overseas before deciding to make a career change and return to Uni to study nursing. Emma jokes that her decision to study nursing was a mid-life crisis, but in reality it was something she had always had an interest in. A combination of factors, including her mother’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer led her to nursing. Emma is interested in areas including emergency and critical care and can see herself doing further study in the future. When she isn’t working she can be found walking, at the gym or drinking coffee. Emma is currently working for Monash Health and is looking forward to the opportunities presented by the ENL program.
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Jakodi Millar MACN
» About me
Jakodi is a third year nursing student at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, WA. He is an advocate for the development of leadership, communication, interpersonal skills and networks in nursing and hopes to help raise the profile of the profession.
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Tess Plant-Thomas MACN
» About me
Tess is a final year Melbourne University Master of Nursing Science student scheduled to graduate in December 2020. She is very excited to begin her nursing career and to explore the myriad of incredible pathways open to nurses. Tess is intrigued by many specialities, and thus far she has accumulated a keen interest in rural and remote health, wound nursing, community/district nursing as well as emergency medicine. Tess has also become interested in pursuing a Master of Public Health in order to conduct work and research in health prevention and promotion and how we can adjust the structure of our care delivery to better serve consumers, especially those living with chronic disease.
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Stage 3
Joshua Contaoi MACN
» About me
Joshua Contaoi is a 2021 Emerging Nurse Leader working at NorthWestern Mental Health. He is a Registered Nurse undertaking clinical rotations in community and inpatient mental health units. Also, he plans on continuing further study through postgraduate mental health nursing programs. Joshua was previously a Nursing Student Representative for Victoria University and participated in leadership activities, volunteering, social entrepreneurism, and cultural societies. After supporting others experiencing challenges in his youth, he chose to specialise in mental health nursing. He found mental health fascinating and rewarding in helping others with their goals and challenges; and collaborating alongside people throughout their recovery journey. Joshua aspires to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and engage in research and tertiary education. He is honoured to progress to Stage 3 of the ENL Program and continue his leadership journey.
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Nabella Earth-Reda MACN
» About me
Nabella graduated her Masters of Nursing from the University of Sydney. Since then, she started a new graduate program in primary health focusing on wound care in community settings. She then proceeded to start another new graduate program as a Cardiac Nurse at Lismore Base Hospital. Within her role, Nabella has focused on the management of cardiac conditions pre and post surgical procedures, providing preventative care through education and early mobilization of surgical patients, as well as furthering her understanding of cardiac arrhythmias and presentations through in-hospital upskilling opportunities and educational sessions. As part of her training, Nabella has started upskilling with dialysis nurses, aiming to be able to provide peritoneal dialysis to cardiac patients with comorbid renal injuries. Nabella’s ambitions focus on rural nursing and humanitarian work, providing thorough; up-to-date best practice; and preventative care within Australian and International vulnerable communities. She hopes to become a clinical nurse consultant in humanitarian work, to then get her Phd in the field and pass on her experiences to new nurses.
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Nick Hayward MACN
» About me
Nick arrived at the family trade after years of experience leading teams as a retail manager, with a passion for maintaining team morale and for meeting and engaging with local communities. Nick completed his graduate year in intensive care and is passionate about adult education, social media in health outreach, and nurturing the next generation of nurses. Nick is excited to be part of the ENL program and hopes to contribute to ACN’s goal of advancing the profession by championing the core leadership business of promoting morale and team cohesion.
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Amy Humme MACN
» About me
Amy is currently completing her Registered Nursing Graduate year with Monash Health, having rotated in a Haemodialysis Unit and now a Surgical Ward. She graduated from Swinburne University of Technology in 2019 and while studying the degree worked as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse in Aged Care. Amy’s past experience in Scouting strongly influenced her passion for leadership, which she continues to broaden into nursing. Participation in a nursing study tour to Vietnam in July 2019 strengthened Amy’s interest in global heath and emergency nursing, which she aspires to pursue after her graduate year. Amy is excited to continue her journey as an ENL in Stage 3 of the program and is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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Erin Mercieca MACN
» About me
Erin is a registered nurse passionate about advocating for advancements in women’s and neonatal health. She is currently completing her graduate year at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne rotating through the neonatal intensive care unit and gynaecology & oncology. She has a strong interest in clinical education and nursing research, and is currently conducting research through the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in her spare time. Erin feels privileged to be accepted in Stage 3 of the Emerging Nurse Leader program. She hopes that she will be able to step out of her comfort zone and strengthen her leadership skills with the support of the Australian College of Nursing. Erin looks forward to engaging with like-minded individuals passionate about advancing the nursing profession.
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Sheldon Omwamba MACN
» About me
Sheldon is a proud Registered Nurse currently working at Baringa Private Hospital in Coffs Harbour. He is originally from Kenya, moved to Australia in 2013 to pursue Nursing. Over the years, Sheldon has worked with a number of organisations including Opal Aged care, St John Ambulance, SES NSW, Australia Red cross Community Visitor program and Townsville Street Chaplains. Sheldon prides himself on his compassion and person orientated care and has a keen interest in dementia care and mental health and has recently completed a graduate certificate in Dementia. 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 more especially to people living with dementia.
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Simon Ross MACN
» About me
Simon is a registered nurse who has a passion and drive for education, mentoring, leadership, and critical care nursing. He is a graduate of Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Nursing with Distinction, receiving various Dean’s awards for academic excellence. He is currently employed full-time at Port Macquarie Base Hospital in the Emergency Department, with a background in Intensive Care nursing as a new graduate. Simon entered his Nursing career later in life making this change from Builder to Nurse, progressing through to his current position within Emergency. Simon’s future career pathway is focusing on education and becoming a Clinical Leader within the critical care environment. Long term he plans to transition into teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Simon hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, currently holding a casual teacher and facilitator position within TAFE NSW providing education to Diploma of Nursing students. Simon is excited to be part of the ENL and is looking forward to sharing knowledge and learning together.
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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 2020 ENL program, she embarked on Postgraduate studies in Cardiothoracic Nursing. Lisa was drawn the ENL Program in 2021 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 2021 will bring as she continues to develop her leadership skills and qualities, together with her specialty 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 2021.
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Emily Thomson MACN
» About me
Emily moved from regional Victoria in 2013 to follow her passion by completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. While taking some time to travel after her degree, she decided to embrace the persistent call of nursing. In 2018, Emily completed a Master of Nursing Science at University of Melbourne. During her studies, Emily worked and volunteered alongside young people and children, gaining insight into the unique optimism and the rewarding nature of these roles. Emily now works at the Royal Children’s Hospital and believes this position truly embraces her empathetic and inquisitive nature. She is honoured to be in a position where she engages with people during some of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. Emily’s nursing practice is driven by the concept that “it is nice to be important, but more important to be nice” as she believes that kindness is key to exceptional nursing practice.
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Stage 4
Kali Baker MACN
» About me
Kali is a registered nurse at Ballarat Health Services, currently employed at a Residential Care Facility. She is in her third year of practice and is developing a keen interest in Gerontology and Palliative Care. Being a member of the Australian College of Nursing, she is delighted to know that she is not alone in striving for advancement. Within the Australian context of nursing, my vision for the advancement of the profession has a gerontological focus. The older person is situated within nearly every clinical environment in healthcare. Caring for the older person is extremely rewarding, provides professional growth and personal reflection daily while delivering immense job satisfaction. My aligned vision for the profession of nursing is to encourage other early entry career practitioners to develop a passion for nursing the older person.
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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. Whilst 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 has 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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Enya Chong MACN
» About me
Enya is a Registered Nurse with Queensland Health and Registered Paramedic with the QAS. She has a passion for being the best health professional she can be, whilst encouraging others to do the same. It is for this reason that Enya has enjoyed her previous role as the Academic Coordinator of a nursing clinical skills simulation peer program whilst at university. Throughout this program, she was able to facilitate the learning of nursing students and enabled them to reach their full potential. This program was the only student-led peer program at university and effectively prepared students for various hospital placements. Enya currently mentors third year nursing students and ensures that they have the guidance they require to succeed in their chosen career. Enya describes working as a Registered Nurse as very rewarding and she strives to further her leadership abilities through the ENL program 2021, after enjoying this program in 2020.
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Sophie Daniel MACN
» About me
Sophie is honoured and humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the ACN Emerging Nurse Leader Program. She feels very fortunate to have been a scholarship recipient for her Enrolled Nursing and completed her Master of Nursing Degree through the University of Sydney. 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 and across all areas of the Perioperative department 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 and now a Nursing Lecturer at the University of New England. 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, to positively impact families and communities. It is sharing a burden, lending a hand, wiping away tears, having a laugh and most importantly it is uniting as one when things get tough. This is the kind of nursing I want my students to know. I look forward to enhancing my skills as a leader through the ACN Emerging Nurse Leader Program and all the opportunities this Program brings.
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Danni-Lee Dean MACN
» About me
Bio to come.
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Rushton Hunt MACN
» About me
Rushton graduated from Edith Cowan University with a Bachelor of Nursing and has worked in a number of specialties across medical and surgical specialties. Rushton is currently working in the Respiratory Medicine Department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, as Clinical Nurse and Staff Development Nurse. Rushton is passionate about education and has facilitated inter-disciplinary education and workshops in the organisation and has been able to work as Clinical Facilitator and mentor with both undergraduate and postgraduate nurses in the profession. Rushton has a particular interest in innovation and change within healthcare and the nursing profession and the ability to engage and inspire staff to embrace new evidence based processes. Rushton is excited to participate in the ENL program for 2021 and have the opportunity to explore his leadership qualities and further develop these skills. Rushton is excited for the mentoring opportunities the ENL program will provide.
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Andrea Jansen Van Rensburg MACN
» About me
Andrea completed a Bachelor of Health Science with a Public Health major and later went on to postgraduate nursing in 2014. She completed an 18-month graduate program at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth and worked on a renal/hepatology and transplant unit where she undertook Clinical Facilitating and a Quality Improvement project. Andrea completed the Perth Biodesign program in 2019 which teaches a process of healthcare innovation and biomedical entrepreneurship. In 2020, Andrea moved to Darwin, to commence work at Royal Darwin Hospital in the Rapid Admission and Planning Unit. Andrea is currently the Deputy Chair of the ACN Next Generation community of interest and is excited to be part of the Emerging Nurse Leader program again, to continue developing leadership skills, working with likeminded individuals, and contributing to the nursing community.
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Michelle Jory MACN
» About me
Michelle graduated her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Queensland in 2017. Since then, she has been working as an Emergency Nurse in Redlands Public Hospital. Michelle delivers quality care across the lifespan with experience in paediatric and adult nursing. Michelle is dedicated to quality improvement within the health service and has undertaken various quality initiatives within her current role to improve patient care. Michelle is currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate of Emergency Nursing at the Queensland University of Technology in pursuit of specialist knowledge and expertise in critical care fields. Michelle’s ambitions for the future include, mentoring graduate nurses; becoming a nurse educator; teaching the future generation of nurses as a university lecturer; and completing a research higher degree.
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Ariel Yokota MACN
» About me
Ariel is an Enrolled Nurse (EN) working in the Permanent Nurse Pool at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. This position provides Ariel with extensive nursing experience across all medical, surgical, rehabilitation wards and the emergency department within the hospital. In response to an ever-changing work environment, Ariel has developed a strong ability to adapt and remain engaged, focussed and friendly. She attributes these qualities to her passion for nursing and contributing to healthcare. Ariel is currently working through her Bachelor of Nursing at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Ariel also volunteers as a Peer Learning Facilitator through QUT Nursing Compass to support students navigate assessment tasks. Ariel thoroughly enjoys engaging in clinical placements as a student RN and utilises the opportunity to enhance skills she recognises may be lacking in her practice. Whether Ariel is on duty as an EN or attending placement, you will always find a nurse passionate, adaptable, willing to learn and grow.
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Louise Lommerse MACN
» About me
Louise is delighted to be given the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Nurse Leader progam. 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 to the private system but is still working part-time as an emergency nurse.
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 rural and remote health, disaster healthcare and hospital based emergency management. She volunteers with Disaster Response Australia and is the president of the Local Ambulance Committee and is the organising steward of the Blackwater Emergency Services Day. Louise would like to see more support for rural and remote novice nurses and 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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Dakota Medhurst MACN
» About me
Dakota is an Enrolled Nurse who is also completing her Bachelor of Nursing through Charles Shirt University. She lives in Regional NSW and currently works in a rural Hospital. Dakota’s clinical experience includes acute and emergency nursing. She is passionate about Rural nursing and the challenges it provides. Dakota is involved in several community organisations, she is excited to be a part of the ACN Emerging Nurse Leader Program.
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Stage 5
Emma Bugden MACN
» About me
Nurses share a privileged profession, which requires special qualities, skills and sacrifices – and offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully in significant ways to the lives of others. With a background in medical nursing, research and ethics, Emma is currently completing a transition to remote area nursing practice – living and working in Arnhem Land. Her vision for nursing and healthcare in Australia is to grow a strong, well educated nursing workforce providing appropriate, compassionate, intelligent, patient centred care. A rich and wide life experience has strengthened her commitment to social equity and egalitarian principles. When nurses embrace leadership as an everyday behaviour at all levels, we build the capacity to create better workplaces, provide better patient care and contribute to a safe, robust, efficient health care system.
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Beaudan Dupen MACN
» About me
The beginning of Beau’s nursing career started when he commenced studying his Bachelor of nursing at the University of Technology in Sydney. While undertaking study, he worked as a personal care assistant in aged care and at Nepean Hospital. In 2015 Beau began his New Graduate year at Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital (WWRRH) where he gained experience in Cardiac Care and Mental Health Nursing. This helped him develop a passion for Critical care, leadership in Nursing and an interest in regional healthcare. Following Beau’s graduate year he transitioned into Intensive Care. After three years of working at WWRRH Beau took up a new chapter in life, with his wife he set off to explore the world and to work in regional and remote parts of Australia. After experiencing work on Thursday Island, Alice Springs and now Darwin, Beau is excited to develop further as a Nurse Leader as part of the Stage 5 ENL program.
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Luke Yokota MACN
» About me
Luke is a Registered Nurse with clinical experience in Aged Care and Intensive Care. Luke has a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and is currently undertaking postgraduate studies in Healthcare Redesign. Luke graduated from Griffith University where he was a very active undergraduate student representative involved in advocating for leadership opportunities in Peer Lead Simulated Learning, an International Student Representative to South East Asia while promoting the overall student experience. Luke remains committed to the professional development of all nurses through his active involvement in several organisational committees at Princess Alexandra Hospital as well as working as a Clinical Facilitator and Tutor with Griffith University. In 2018 Luke was appointed as the Inaugural Chair of the Australian College of Nursing Men In Nursing Working Party where he is leading national strategy to raise the profile of men in nursing, address societal stereotypes of perceptions of men caring and addressing gender imbalance within the nursing profession. Luke prides himself on his diligence, compassion and person orientated care and has a keen interest in quality, safety and improving patient experiences.
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Liam Jackson MACN
» About me
Liam is a glad to be back and a part of the ACN ENL cohort for another year in 2021. Originally from Ipswich, QLD, Liam undertook his Bachelor of Nursing studies at QUT before starting his career at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. Liam has moved around working in Paediatric Respiratory, Intensive Care as well Community School Health and Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant. Liam’s continued passion for helping children and their families through sickness (and health) inspired him to begin his Midwifery training in 2020, which he is expected to complete in early 2021. Liam is dedicated to his continued professional development as shown through his involvement in many hospital quality improvement projects as well as having completed his masters of advanced nursing practice, focusing on improvements in new graduate support programs. In 2021, Liam hopes that the ENL program will continue to be the perfect forum to help him expand himself as an early-career nurse leader as well as gain the right tools and knowledge to help educate and support other nurses wanting to advance within the nursing profession.
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Hollie Jaggard MACN
» About me
Hollie has enjoyed working in a variety of nursing roles over many years, most notably her position in a busy metropolitan Emergency Department as a post-graduate trained resuscitation nurse, and a Masters qualified Clinical Nurse Specialist. She has enjoyed sharing her knowledge and passion for education with colleagues, and has recently brought this enthusiasm to a position at Monash University where she is Unit Coordinator in both the Undergraduate and Graduate streams of Nursing, as well moderating an online Biology short course. Hollie says she thoroughly loves the diversity in the educational space, and she is honored to be a part of the learning journey for the next generation of registered nurses. Hollie is thrilled to be a part of the ACN ENL program for the fifth consecutive year, and is enjoying the collegiality and mentorship the program provides. Hollie has a passion for education and learning, and hopes to combine this with other leadership roles in the future.
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Lavanya Naidoo MACN
» About me
Lavanya completed her Bachelor in Nursing in New Zealand. Currently working in clinical informatics her background is predominantly in Urgent care within Primary Health. She prides herself on compassion, patient centred and integrated care. Having a passion for safety, health technology and improving patient experience. Lavanya regularly contributes to quality improvements and enhancements. Her experience in the community has given Lavanya an in depth view of the needs and requirements of quality patient centred care. Lavanya also has a strong interest in promoting the development and excellence of the nursing profession. She thoroughly enjoys long chats with her grandmother in South Africa and spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys spending time participating in aspects of personal development and bio hacking. Being drawn to a profession that is naturally people focused, caring and nurturing, it was easy to incorporate a career in nursing.
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Lucy Osborn MACN
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Lucy is an early career nurse who is passionate about professional development and leadership. She works at The Royal Children’s Hospital in the NICU and Emergency and Lectures at Swinburne University of Technology.
Lucy writes a regular column on ACN’s NurseClick blog, “The Scrubs that Fit”, which talks about her experiences as an early career nurse. Lucy is the chair of the ACN Next Generation Community of Interest and has been in the Emerging ENL Program for four years as a high achiever recipient. As this is her final year within the ENL program, Lucy is excited to explore the final aspects of leadership with the support of ACN.
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Catelyn Richards MACN
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Catelyn is a proud Registered Nurse and passionate humanitarian. Throughout her studies at Monash University, Catelyn was recognised as an emerging leader in the field of nursing, in the prestigious Ancora Imparo Vice Chancellor’s Leadership program. After graduating, Catelyn worked as a nurse at the Royal Children’s Hospital and as a research assistant at Monash University; allowing her to contribute to her passion of achieving better health for all. Outside of her nursing career, Catelyn has volunteered with a number of organisations including the Climate and Health Alliance, the Oaktree Foundation, AusAID and Young People Without Borders. Catelyn was a finalist in the Tasmanian Southern Cross Young Achievers award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2012. Catelyn hopes to contribute further to sustainability in healthcare, and remains a passionate advocate for excellent health globally.
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Jon San Martin MACN
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Jon is a registered nurse employed as a Clinical Nurse Educator in Greenwich Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit. He completed his Bachelor of Nursing at Western Sydney University. As a nursing student, he participated in the Social Engagement Leadership Program and collaborated with other student delegates to explore the state of women’s homelessness in Western Sydney. In 2019, he obtained a Graduate Certificate in Nursing – Advanced Practice at James Cook University. He has an interest in research and contributed as one of the authors for a review article published in July 2020 on the Journal of Palliative Medicine. Prior to working at Greenwich Hospital, Jon discovered a passion for the care of older people living with dementia and trained to become one of the dementia coaches in Bupa Willoughby. In 2016, a placement with the Program of Experience in Palliative Approach (PEPA) paved the way to the beginning of his journey as a palliative care clinician.
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Suzanne Volejnikova-Wenger MACN
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The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Emerging Nurse Leader Program (ENL) has been my constant in an ever-changing professional development space for the last four years. I graduated for the first time as a nurse a couple of decades ago in Switzerland and am currently undertaking my PhD after previously completing the Bachelor of Nursing Science Honours degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and the Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership). Community and Primary Healthcare nursing are my clinical settings and I love to share my passion with the first-year undergraduate students I teach as a sessional tutor at USC. As the main instigator of the USC Nursing & Midwifery Alumni Network and engaging with the ACN as an ENL and active member allows me to enjoy and share many of the different and fulfilling aspects of this great profession of nursing. I mentor student nurses through the USC Mentoring platform and have become one of the first ‘Buddies’ to sign up to the ACN Nurses’ Buddy Hub. As an active member of the ACN Community & Primary Health Care Community of Interest I am privileged to work with an innovative and passionate team who support #NursesWhereYouNeedThem. My main motto as both an ‘old’ and ‘new’ nurse is #NursesNurtureTheirYoung. I hope we can grow the movement to value and support nurses and make sure they are in the right places and are being heard.
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