Announcing ACORN's new Board Chair

Caroline is a perioperative nurse (Anaesthesia and PACU) with over 15 years of experience and is currently employed at Calvary Health Care Tasmania. Her career has focused on ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety and she has contributed to various projects aimed at improving perioperative nursing practices within the organisation. She is passionate about enhancing communication and safety protocols, and has been involved as an accredited facilitator in the implementation of the Cognitive Institute’s 'Speak up for safety' program in Launceston. Caroline has also played a part in developing internal policies and procedures to uphold best practices within her organisation.

Aside from her clinical role, Caroline is dedicated to educating and mentoring new nurses entering the field. Over the past six years, she has been actively involved in guiding both graduate and undergraduate nurses, demonstrating her commitment to fostering the next generation of health care professionals.

Caroline values collaboration and believes in building positive relationships with colleagues and other health care professionals. She has been an ACORN director since 2022 and sees ACORN as a valuable resource for perioperative nurses as well as being in a unique position to ensure safe surgery practices and promote innovation within the health care sector. With her experience and dedication to patient care, Caroline aims to contribute to the advancement of perioperative nursing and making a difference in health care delivery in Australia.

On accepting the role, Caroline said 'I am truly honoured to have received the endorsement of my peers to assume the position of chair of the ACORN Board of Directors. My sincere gratitude goes to Jess Pougnault for her dedicated leadership during a period marked by significant transitions, including the evolution of ACORN’s governance model, navigating the aftermath of the global pandemic and addressing economic challenges such as the rising cost of living. I am committed to building upon the strong foundation she has established and will work with my fellow directors and ACORN staff to continue advancing the interests of perioperative nurses nationwide, ensuring they are equipped to deliver exceptional care to the communities they serve.'