Professor Rachael Vernon is Professor of Nursing and Dean of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of South Australia. Rachael leads the university’s academic portfolio of Nursing and Midwifery programs and is committed to the development and delivery of high-quality academic programs and graduates. She has a history of building strong and sustainable professional relationships with clinical partners and industry, developing educational pathways and facilitating research opportunities. During her career Rachael has held senior leadership roles in nursing education, research, policy, health management, and clinical practice. She is an experienced academic leader and researcher demonstrated through her the positions she has held as Professor of Nursing, Head of School, and Dean of Nursing and Midwifery Rachael has achieved professional distinction through her contribution to the professional nursing scene in Australia, New Zealand and internationally and has led debate about the standards required for nursing education, competence to practise, and the accreditation and regulatory mechanisms (for health professions) that are required to protect the public. Rachael is committed to practical and agile engagement with industry and the health professions; developing versatile high-quality graduates; undertaking research that translates into successful healthcare strategies or innovations, policy and practice; and generating new knowledge that contributes to a healthier society.

Vanessa Owen is the Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery for the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, South Australia. She has a passion for improving high-quality patient care, safety and quality, for innovation and providing opportunities for enduring partnerships with consumers, NGO’s, professional organisations and the higher education sector in whatever role she has held. She has experience in rural, regional, and metropolitan organisations having worked in NSW, Victoria, ACT and SA. Vanessa Owen is a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife. She holds a Master of Health Management, Master of Midwifery and is a Wharton’s Fellow - Nursing Executive Program (one of only 23 in Australia). She is a past National President of the Australian College of Midwives and a Distinguished Fellow. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is currently a board member of Maternal Health Matters. Vanessa holds an Adjunct position with both Flinders University and the University of South Australia. In her spare time, Vanessa volunteers with her local Lions Club.

Swojani Shrestha is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University, Australia. She is a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Nursing Practice (MNP) degree. Swojani has 15 years of experience in critical care. Her other areas of research interest include nursing education and workforce issues.

Dr. Gary Crowfoot is passionate about improving nursing education and scholarship within clinical settings. An experienced educator, Gary has co-led the creation of innovative professional experience education programs with health industry partners to service local, regional, and rural communities. He has co-designed and co-developed an innovative continuity-aligned professional experience placement model with a large regional clinical service. This model has received international attention and awards for its impact on student learning experiences and workforce preparedness. Gary’s current work explores the impact of the continuity-aligned dedicated education unit placement model on students, nurses, workforce transition, and patients through clinical service delivery.

Working as an Associate Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University and teaching undergraduate program. With a strong foundation in clinical practice, I bring a wealth of experience in various specialties such as medical-surgical, critical care and emergency nursing. Teaching nursing students for more than seven years and have over 22 years of acute care clinical experience. I have a passion for advancing clinical knowledge and fostering a supportive learning environment for students ensuring clinical placements are enjoyable for students and mentors.