For our newest Remote Clinical Educator, Vanessa Egan, her role has always been about more than teaching skills. It’s about people, relationships, and the lasting impact that comes from walking alongside others in their lives and careers.
In her first year as an educator, Vanessa worked as a graduate nurse coordinator, supporting a cohort of six graduates. One graduate in particular left an impression.
After a year, this graduate had thrived and found the confidence to take the next step. They approached Vanessa, a midwife herself, for support with a reference to pursue midwifery. This soon evolved into a meaningful mentoring relationship, with Vanessa guiding the graduate through their transition into the profession.
Over time, their professional relationship soon became something much richer.
Vanessa was lucky to be present for the birth of the graduate’s first child. Then, in a full-circle moment, the graduate – now a midwife – was there to support the birth of Vanessa’s second child.
Reflecting on that journey still gives Vanessa goosebumps.
She says, “It shaped me because we can make such a big impact in terms of people’s wellbeing within their careers, and that’s a really lucky and fortunate position to be in.
“This is why we live and work in these communities, because we build those amazing relationships and also breed so much trust and compassion.
“I absolutely love seeing the journey from some families of delivering their baby to then being at the school gate wishing my kids a good day and seeing that same baby now going to school.
“It’s knowing that you have a positive impact on the people that you share a wonderful community with.”
Vanessa is a nurse and midwife with a Master’s in Adult Education who has travelled across Australia with her family.
She’s been in management and education for the greater part of the last eight years, but because of the regional and remote locations she’s worked in, has also been able to maintain clinical practice.
Vanessa’s career as an educator started by accident with a vacant position for an Advanced Life Support teacher that needed filling in her workplace, but she soon realised that her communication skills made her a great fit for the role.
“I think I underestimated the value in when people say, ‘Oh, when you explain it like that, I really understand it!’ and I thought, yes, that’s what we need, these simple terms.
“I really like being able to provide that support for people and establishing a level of respect amongst clinicians. We’re all attempting to do the very best we can, so how can we get the best out of each other?”
Vanessa has now joined CRANAplus as a Remote Clinical Educator and is looking forward to coordinating courses in both our emergency and maternity streams.
“The most rewarding part for me is seeing the clinicians after the education session. They’re motivated, they’re empowered, they stand a little taller. Not only have they got some networking and some positive reinforcement about the great work they’ve done, but hopefully they’ve taken away a few tips and tricks.
“So, yes, it will improve the care they deliver, and it will be evidence-based and informed by best practice, but hopefully it also means that they have that inner sense of improved confidence and wellbeing associated with that.”
Vanessa is grateful to the CRANAplus community for choosing to work out in rural, remote and isolated areas, and is excited to meet lots of new faces on course.
“I really look forward to the opportunity to provide some education, but also to hear their stories.”
