Alison Hession
Cherrybrook,NSW
Summary
Accomplished Clinical Nurse Consultant adept at leading evidence-based practices and enhancing patient care outcomes. Extensive experience in designing and delivering education related to end-of-life and palliative care. Skilled in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and possessing strong communication abilities. Expert in critical thinking and problem-solving, with significant contributions to clinical research and patient care excellence. Recipient of the NSLHD Exceptional Person Award for Research Innovation and Digital Health (2022), NSLHD Exceptional Person Award for Connected Person-Centred Care(2019) and Nurse of the Year Hornsby Hospital (2018)
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Tutor
Flinders University - Nursing And Health Sciences
03.2020 - Current
- Tutor for post-graduate students undertaking courses in Palliative care
- Provide constructive feedback on assignments and guide students through revisions, resulting in improved writing skills and stronger final submissions to enable students to meet AQF criteria level 8.
- Develop student confidence through positive reinforcement strategies.
Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC2) - Palliative Care
Northern Sydney Local Health District
07.2017 - Current
- Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to devise and manage individualized plans of care for patients requiring complex symptom management or who are approaching the end-of-life.
- Develop educational materials and conduct in-service training and workshops to enhance clinical staff knowledge related to end-of-life care and palliative care symptom management
- Foster a culture of continuous learning within the clinical team by sharing best practices and encouraging open communication on opportunities for improvement.
- Provide expert consultation for complex cases, ensuring comprehensive assessments and appropriate interventions are delivered for patients receiving end-of-life care and complex symptom management.
- Conduct regular evaluation of staffing needs, making recommendations for adjustments to ensure appropriate allocation of resources and optimal patient care delivery.
- Implemented the AMBER Care bundle across the hospital to recognise patient's whose recovery is uncertain and ensure a plan is in place should they deteriorate and require end-of-life care.
- Serve as a clinical resource to staff, patients and families particularly when patients are receiving end-of-life care.
Clinical Trials Coordinator
Royal North Shore Hospital - Cancer Centre
01.2015 - 06.2017
- Maintained strict adherence to study protocols, contributing to high-quality trial outcomes.
- Optimized trial efficiency through meticulous data management and timely report submissions.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for nursing staff.
- Utilized project management tools effectively to track progress across all phases of clinical trials, enabling quick response to any issues that arose during studies.
- Worked with principal investigator and sponsors to facilitate daily trial activities and comply with research protocols.
Clinical Nurse Consultant/Clinical Trials Coordinator
HammondCare - Greenwich Hospital Palliative Care
06.2012 - 12.2014
- Championed evidence-based practice within the organization by leading the implementation of clinical practice guidelines designed to improve patient care outcomes for patients receiving complex symptom management and end-of-life care
- Developed educational materials and conducted in-service training and workshops to enhance clinical staff knowledge related to complex symptom management and end-of-life care
- Conducted clinical trials in palliative care for the Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Royal North Shore Hospital - Oncology Ward
02.2004 - 06.2012
- Mentored nursing staff through professional development opportunities, enhancing their skill sets and competencies.
- Maintained professional development by attending relevant conferences, workshops, and seminars, staying informed on emerging trends and best practices within the nursing field.
- Served as a clinical expert resource for fellow nurses, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on ongoing learning and growth.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care and improve patient satisfaction.
Sales Representative
3M, Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur, BioMediq
01.1990 - 11.1999
- Prior to nursing I was a sales representative for a range of scientific and medical companies.
- Expanded customer base through networking, and relationship building.
- Attended trade shows to represent company products, generate leads, and network with potential clients.
- Achieved top performer status consistently through dedication to meeting goals and exceeding expectations.
Research Assistant
University Of Sydney - Faculty Of Medicine
01.1985 - 12.1990
- Investigated hypercalcaemia of malignancy and the metabolism of Vitamin D by activated alveolar macrophages which formed the basis of my Master's Degree in Applied Science
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals
- Presented research findings at conferences, contributing to the advancement of the field.
Education
Ph.D. - End-of-Life Care in Acute Hospitals
University of Technology Sydney
Faculty Of Health06.2029
Master of Palliative Care - Palliative Care
Flinders University
Adelaide, SA06.2019
Bachelor of Nursing - Nursing
University of Technology Sydney
Nursing And Midwifery 04.2004
Master of Science - Biochemistry
University of Technology Sydney
Faculty Of Science04.1990
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
University of Technology Sydney
Faculty Of Health Sciences05.1985
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams
- Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, Powerpoint
- Data management
- Project management
Accomplishments
Hession, A., Luckett, T., Chang, S., Currow, D., and Barbato, M. (2022) End-of-life dreams and visions: A systematic integrative review. Palliative and Supportive Care. 1-10
Hession, A., Luckett, T., Currow, D., and Barbato, M (2024) Nurses' encounters with patients having end-of-life dreams and visions in an acute care setting - a cross-sectional survey study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 00:1-9.
Timeline
Tutor
Flinders University - Nursing And Health Sciences
03.2020 - Current
Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC2) - Palliative Care
Northern Sydney Local Health District
07.2017 - Current
Clinical Trials Coordinator
Royal North Shore Hospital - Cancer Centre
01.2015 - 06.2017
Clinical Nurse Consultant/Clinical Trials Coordinator
HammondCare - Greenwich Hospital Palliative Care
06.2012 - 12.2014
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Royal North Shore Hospital - Oncology Ward
02.2004 - 06.2012
Sales Representative
3M, Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur, BioMediq
01.1990 - 11.1999
Research Assistant
University Of Sydney - Faculty Of Medicine
01.1985 - 12.1990
Ph.D. - End-of-Life Care in Acute Hospitals
University of Technology Sydney
Master of Palliative Care - Palliative Care
Flinders University
Bachelor of Nursing - Nursing
University of Technology Sydney
Master of Science - Biochemistry
University of Technology Sydney
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
University of Technology Sydney
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