ERIN FAIRS
Smithfield,Queensland
Summary
Experienced CNE and educator with over 26 years of valuable expertise in nursing. Currently serving as the Clinical Lead for a dynamic Specialist Palliative Care/Community Nursing team of 42 members. Possess extensive professional experience in acute care and Out of Hospital settings, deeply committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care and providing necessary education. Known for exceptional time management skills, approachability, and collaborative approach as a valuable member of the multidisciplinary team. Confident in advocating for clients' needs. Dedicated and hardworking individual who actively contributes to working groups and readily adapts to reviewing clients with staff when required.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
CNE/A/Clinical NUM 1
ISLHD OOHC/Specialist Palliative Care Team, NSW Health
06.2023 - Current
- Led the development of annual training plans based on identified gaps in knowledge or skills among clinical staff members. Currently coordinating 2 day Palliative care education for our Specialist Palliative care nurses based on skills gap analysis
- Evaluated clinical staff performance, identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous growth. Closely work with NUM 2 to work on these areas post PEDs.
- Utilized adult learning principles to adapt teaching methods according to individual learner needs, maximizing comprehension and retention of material presented.
- Supported departmental goals by aligning educational programs with organizational objectives. Ability to quickly roll out SMIT education to meet new goals.
- Facilitated open communication between management and clinical staff, addressing concerns and implementing solutions to improve overall team satisfaction. Concerns highlighted in yearly staff satisfaction survey
- Coordinated continuing education events, connecting nurses with relevant resources to advance their expertise within their respective fields. Highlight and communicate to staff upcoming conferences and courses and work with NUM 2 to facilitate staff attendance whilst ensuring enough staff to meet service delivery.
- Keep current with emerging trends in healthcare education, incorporating new strategies into existing curricula for continuous program improvement.
- Increased staff retention by providing ongoing professional development opportunities and support. Organise and facilitate monthly education afternoons for our team of 42 staff and adjust further education sessions based on evaluation results
- Enhanced patient outcomes by developing and implementing evidence-based educational programs for clinical staff. Current focus on Palliative care phases and episodes and documentation standards using templates
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, resulting in decreased time to full productivity. Organise buddy shifts with NP, CNC, CNS2 and CNS's as part of Orientation program and introduction to service. Currently very well received with great feedback
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure consistent patient care and education across various departments. Currently rolling out education on 'How and when to refer to Palliative care Allied health team flowchart '. Joint development of flowchart with Allied health CNE
- Contributed to the achievement of key performance indicators by providing data-driven recommendations for nursing education initiatives. Gaps in mandatory education targets identified and worked with staff individually to be able to attend training
- Serve as a mentor and clinical lead for nursing staff, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting professional growth. Have a very calm approachable manner and 'open door' in which makes staff feel comfortable to contact me for any concerns and clinical advice
- Foster culture of continuous learning and quality improvement. Current projects are; Last Days of Life working group to develop a consistent Pathway/tool to be used across the district and working with Quality manager looking at gaps in clinical documentation based on recent audits.
- Enhanced effectiveness of patient care plans by incorporating evidence-based practices into nursing education.
- Implemented competency-based assessments to measure and improve nursing skills and knowledge.
- Championed adoption of digital tools in nursing education, enhancing learning experiences and outcomes. Rolling out MEDsync at present.
- Directly care for patients at least 16 hours each month to maintain currency on clinical evidence based practice techniques.
- Excellent time management skills and quickly able to adapt to changing needs
Primary Health/Palliative care Nurse
ISLHD Shoalhaven AHPC/Palliative Care
06.2017 - 06.2023
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure clear communication and optimal care coordination.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
- Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate palliative care and symptom management.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify changes in patient condition, promptly intervening to manage symptoms effectively.
- Demonstrated cultural competence in providing palliative care services tailored to the unique needs of diverse patient populations.
- Participated in quality improvement projects focused on enhancing the delivery of palliative care services within the organization.
- Developed individualized care plans for patients, addressing their unique needs and preferences.
- Implemented bereavement support initiatives for families after the loss of a loved one, promoting healing during difficult times.
- Advocated for patient autonomy in decision-making regarding treatment options and end-of-life care planning.
- Mentored new nurses entering the field of palliative care, sharing knowledge and experiences to facilitate their growth as healthcare providers.
- Documented detailed patient records accurately and timely, ensuring continuity of care across all members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Educated fellow healthcare professionals on the principles of palliative care, enhancing their ability to provide comprehensive care.
- Coordinated with outside agencies for hospice referrals, ensuring seamless transitions for patients and families.
- Managed complex symptoms using evidence-based practices, resulting in increased patient satisfaction.
- Maintained current knowledge on best practices in palliative nursing through regular continuing education opportunities.
- Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
Senior RN in ED and Acute ward
Milton-Ulladulla Hospital/ISLHD
07.2007 - 06.2017
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely interventions and thorough follow-ups to mitigate potential complications.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Coordinated discharge planning efforts with social workers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members for smooth transitions posthospitalization.
- Implemented infection control measures within the unit, maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members.
- Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
Clinical Nurse Educator
Sutherland hospital
09.2005 - 07.2007
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Sutherland Hospital
01.2005 - 09.2005
Registered Nurse/CNE
Kareena Private Hospital
10.2002 - 01.2005
Registered Nurse
St George Hospital
04.2002 - 10.2002
Education
Graduate certificate in Nursing -
12.2025
Post Grad Certificate in Advanced practice -
University of Tasmania
07.2024
Bachelor of Nursing -
Sydney University
01.1999
Skills
- Advanced Palliative care Assessment skills
- Trainer for Caring@home education to patients
- Facilitator for 2 day Palliative care course for Specialist Palliative care nurses
- Facilitator for 1 day PEPA training day for all Community nurses Organise presenters from the broad MDT Palliative care team
- Management of staff Education
- Catheter care
- Continence assessment
- Complex wound care
- Acute surgical wound care
- Chronic Wound Care
- Conservative sharp wound debridement
- Chest drain management
- Abdominal drain management
- NPWT
- Compression therapy
- Suicide prevention DETECT
- Pressure injury Prevention
- Medication administration
Additionalinformation
4 day People Management skills program with HETI, 2 day Burns rehabilitation course, Stoma therapy, Continence training, Palliative care education program, Member of NSW Nurses and Midwives Association since April 2002, CRANA member since 2023, AUSMED, 03/01/2025, 12/01/2025, Graduate certificate in Nursing
References
- Nicole Davis, NUM2 FOR SHOALHAVEN APHC, Nicole.Davis@health.nsw.gov.au, 0425352100
- Teresa Gillies, NP PALLIATIVE CARE SHOALHAVEN, Teresea.Gillies@health.nsw.gov.au, 0476825408
Timeline
CNE/A/Clinical NUM 1
ISLHD OOHC/Specialist Palliative Care Team, NSW Health
06.2023 - Current
Primary Health/Palliative care Nurse
ISLHD Shoalhaven AHPC/Palliative Care
06.2017 - 06.2023
Senior RN in ED and Acute ward
Milton-Ulladulla Hospital/ISLHD
07.2007 - 06.2017
Clinical Nurse Educator
Sutherland hospital
09.2005 - 07.2007
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Sutherland Hospital
01.2005 - 09.2005
Registered Nurse/CNE
Kareena Private Hospital
10.2002 - 01.2005
Registered Nurse
St George Hospital
04.2002 - 10.2002
Graduate certificate in Nursing -
Post Grad Certificate in Advanced practice -
University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Nursing -
Sydney University