About the event
Join us for an insightful webinar as we celebrate nursing in WA. We will hear from 2023 Nurse of the Year, Sandra Vinciguerra. Sandra will discuss her journey immunising disadvantaged populations which led to achievement of the Excellence in Primary, Public and Community Nursing Award and Nurse of the Year Award at the WA Health Nursing and Midwifery Awards. In the second half of the webinar, we will connect with nursing leaders Catherine Barratt and Jenni Ng from the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office (CNMO). They will share an insight into the inner workings of the CNMO and current initiatives being undertaken by the office for the support and advancement of nursing in WA. Hosted by the WA Region of the Australian College of Nursing, this webinar promises to inspire and empower nursing professionals across the region. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with visionary leaders, be motivated and elevate your understanding of initiatives that are shaping the nursing profession in WA. Join us for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the vital role of nurses in shaping the future of healthcare.
Key Learning Objectives
- Development of Leadership in Nursing
- Contributing to innovation in Nursing
- Development an understanding of the role of the CNMO as system manager.
About the speakers
Sandra Vinciguerra RN, NMHS - Registered Nurse, IV Lounge / Plastics Treatment Centre
My journey into nursing began with a childhood dream postponed by parental expectations. Despite this, the seed planted in my heart never wavered. It wasn't until life confronted me with the harsh reality of my child's terminal illness that my calling to nursing ignited into a flame. Through the anguish of losing not one, but two children, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of compassionate healthcare professionals. Their care and dedication during our darkest hours crystallised my resolve — nursing was not just a career path but a lifelong mission to extend the same love and support to others in their moments of vulnerability. Leaving behind a decade-long career in conveyancing, I embarked on a transformative journey, enrolling in a Bachelor of Nursing program. Balancing studies, part-time work, and the responsibilities of a growing family was no small feat. Yet, with unwavering determination, I navigated through the challenges, fuelled by a passion that burned brighter with each hurdle overcome. My dedication to nursing took on new dimensions as I transitioned into the role of a Public Health nurse. Here, I found purpose in serving high-risk populations, including Indigenous communities, the homeless, and those experiencing mental health illness. Leading initiatives to provide essential vaccinations to marginalised groups became a cornerstone of my work. Collaborating with organisations like Nyoongar Outreach, I ventured into the heart of communities, delivering crucial immunisations to those who often fell through the gaps of traditional healthcare systems. The pinnacle of my nursing career came with the honour of being awarded the WANMEA Nurse of the Year. This recognition was not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective effort invested in making a tangible difference in people's lives. It reaffirmed my belief that nursing transcends mere profession; it's a calling to be a beacon of hope and healing in a world fraught with challenges. Though my role in vaccination outreach during the pandemic eventually concluded, my commitment to nursing remains steadfast. Returning to my roots at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, I continue to walk alongside patients battling chronic illnesses. For over a decade, I've been privileged to be a part of their journey, offering not just medical care but a compassionate presence that extends beyond hospital walls. Every day, as I step into the hospital corridors, I'm reminded of the profound privilege it is to be called a nurse. It's more than a title; it's a sacred trust bestowed upon us by those we serve. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Jenni Ng - Principal Nursing Advisor (Workforce) CNMO
Jenni has been a nurse for almost 30 years. She has worked clinically, in corporate management, leadership, education and academic roles. She is experienced in curriculum development and strategising workforce programs; planning and commissioning them to bridge community and workforce development at both local and international level. She is focused and committed to enabling positive and sustainable change. One of her career highlights was during her time in Africa working with Governments, Not for Profit Organisations and Universities, where she had the privilege to support and assist vulnerable communities and colleagues in underserved areas. Jenni is currently the Principal Nursing Advisor at the Department of Health, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office leading and managing the workforce portfolio that: · Provides high-level consultancy on nursing workforce capacity and capability issues, · Participates in planning and decision-making, related to the statewide management of nursing workforce management and development issues at an intra, interstate and international level, · Provides high-level support to health services on operationalising contemporary nursing workforce management practices including workload management tools, · Directs the development of strategies to reduce identified gaps in the workforce and strategies to gain employment opportunities for early and mid-career nurses and midwives.
Catherine Barratt - Principal Nursing Advisor (Policy and Practice), Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office
Catherine has been privileged to enjoy a long career as a cancer nurse prior to moving to her current role as Principal Nursing Advisor in the Western Australian (WA) Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office. She has significant experience in both the clinical and education areas. Catherine specialised in cancer nursing, initially working in Medical Oncology and later in the Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia. After relocating to Perth, Western Australia, she worked in oncology/haematology at Royal Perth Hospital for twelve years, as a Staff Development Nurse and subsequently, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist for nine years. Her career journey then continued as Staff Development Educator at the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network; a role where she was able to influence nursing education in cancer care and facilitate the ongoing clinical and professional development of nurses to enable them to influence and improve outcomes for patients. Catherine has experience on local, state and national committees as an active member of several professional bodies. She remains passionate about advancing the nursing profession and enjoys the strategic nature of her role at the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office. She is committed to working towards delivering on the nursing and midwifery agenda and is keen to harness the reform opportunities provided for nursing by the current health climate.