Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Refree
Timeline
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Sharon DeFranceschi

14 Brooks Street, Broken Hill,Australia

Summary

I am currently practicing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist within the Community Palliative Care Team for NSW Health, where I provide specialised, compassionate care to patients with life-limiting illnesses across various settings. Since completing my Bachelor of Nursing in 2020, I have devoted myself to palliative care nursing, with a focus on supporting the aging population and ensuring end-of-life care aligns with each patient’s values and goals.

Over the past three and a half years, I have gained extensive knowledge in palliative care, combining clinical proficiency with a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families. My role involves delivering holistic, patient-centered care that respects individual preferences, providing psychosocial support to families, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams to offer seamless, integrative care.

My practice emphasises thorough symptom management, using evidence-based protocols and therapeutic communication to support patients’ comfort and dignity. Through continued professional development and obtaining the Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care (Flinders University, December 2022) and ongoing studies in the Diploma of Palliative Care, I ensure my skills remain current and aligned with national standards. I am further advancing my expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree in Palliative Care (2025), aiming to integrate age and palliative care for a comprehensive approach to support patients’ complex needs.

In addition to clinical duties, I apply strong organisational and time-management skills to prioritise daily responsibilities, ensuring preparedness for dynamic care environments. My proactive approach includes reviewing patient notes, care plans, and clinical updates, facilitating tailored interventions that align with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s standards of practice and code of conduct. I embrace reflective practice and seek continuous growth, adapting efficiently to evolving care requirements, new systems, and advanced palliative interventions.

This dedication to ongoing professional development and reflective practice has strengthened my ability to forge trusting, therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and colleagues. I am committed to supporting patients’ end-of-life journeys with empathy, professionalism, and a patient-first approach to care.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Palliative Care

NSW Health
02.2022 - Current
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based care practices and clinical guidelines.
  • Developed comprehensive care plans for patients, resulting in enhanced health management.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care and improve patient satisfaction.
  • Mentored nursing staff through professional development opportunities, enhancing their skill sets and competencies.
  • Streamlined processes within the department, leading to increased efficiency and better resource allocation.
  • Conducted research projects to inform best practices in nursing care, contributing to overall improvements in the healthcare field.
  • Evaluated nursing protocols and made updates based on current literature, ensuring optimal patient care practices were maintained.
  • Served as a clinical expert resource for fellow nurses, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on ongoing learning and growth.
  • Implemented quality improvement initiatives that led to measurable enhancements in patient safety and satisfaction levels.
  • Provided specialised consultation services for complex cases, effectively addressing unique patient needs.
  • Managed patient caseloads, ensuring each individual received personalised and comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.
  • Maintained professional development by attending relevant conferences, workshops, and seminars, staying informed on emerging trends and best practices within the nursing field.
  • Explained side effects from medications and provided in-depth education to patients on diabetes, asthma, cancer, and other diseases.
  • Assessed patient conditions by performing thorough examinations and asking appropriate medical questions.
  • Interpreted test results and maintained patient records.
  • Provided counselling to patients and families and referred patients to other treatment facilities.
  • Educated patients and families on treatment, expected outcomes and discharge instructions, serving as advisory resource to patients and families to facilitate recovery.
  • Oversaw training, staffing and education of all nurses and staff.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions through effective planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.

Registered Nurse - Palliative Care

NSW Health
07.2021 - 02.2022
  • Used model of shared governance to collaborate with health care team and promote evidence-based care
  • Mentored and guided employees to foster proper completion of assigned duties, within scopes of practice and experience
  • Evaluated physical, psychosocial, and environmental parameters affecting patient care and wellbeing
  • Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity
  • Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
  • Physical Assessment, PCOC assessment and visual observation
  • Built strong relationships with patients and their families through positive attitude and attentive response.
  • Respiratory, Abdominal and Musculoskeletal assessment
  • Management of pain, bowel and respiratory distress
  • Implemented new working processes to deliver quality improvements
  • Developed and implemented individualised care plan
  • Recognised and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
  • Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and medical teams by utilising exemplary communication and active listening skills.
  • Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
  • Provided high level of quality, compassionate care to patients and caregivers
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care and carer administration
  • Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patient.
  • Accurately documented treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Oral Medication, Parental Medication, other syringe driven medication
  • Continuous subcutaneous infusions and management
  • Assisting with mobilisation and assessment
    Respiratory management and Oxygen therapy
  • Chest and abdominal drains for palliative care management of ascities

Registered Nurse - Palliative Care

Calvary Community Palliative Care
01.2021 - 07.2021


  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Used model of shared governance to collaborate with health care team and promote evidence-based care
    Evaluated physical, psychosocial, and environmental parameters affecting patient care and wellbeing
  • Incorporated results of assessments using PCOC to formulate individualised plans of care
  • Proactively identifies and implemented interventions to stabilize patients and improve comfort and care for quality of life
  • Delivered educational services to patients and families to improve care outcomes
  • Physical Assessment, PCOC assessment and visual observation Mental status, Respiratory, Abdominal and Musculoskeletal assessment
  • Management of pain, bowel and respiratory distress Nasogastric tube management
  • Intravenous therapy (IVT)
  • Management, PICC & CVC
    Care of patient with supra pubic catheter (catheter irrigation),
  • Urinary catheterisation
  • Oral Medication, Parental Medication, Enteral Medication, Intravenous Medication Administration- IV container, Intravenous Medication Administration- Burette, Intravenous Medication Administration- Bolus
  • Patient controlled analgesia or other syringe driven medication,
  • Continuous subcutaneous infusions and management
  • Assisting with mobilisation and assessment
  • Respiratory management and Oxygen therapy
  • Chest and abdominal drains for palliative care management of asicities
  • Dry dressing technique, Complex wounds- drain, suture or clip removal,
  • Complex wounds
  • Clinical handover
  • Documentation

Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

Broken Hill Base Hospitail
04.2020 - 12.2020


  • Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity
  • Administered prescribed medications and monitored patients for side effects and adverse reactions. IV, PICC Venipuncture
  • Cannulation
  • End of Life Care
  • Inpatient / Community
  • COSA Care and assessment
  • PCOC, Assessment and evaluations
  • Prepared patients for examinations and treatments, education, psychosocial support
  • Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships
  • Highly developed organisational and communication skills
    Ability to prioritise tasks and achieve goals within time
  • frame Efficient by preparing rooms and restocking supplies.
  • Consulted with health care team to plan and implement patient treatment protocols
  • Proficiency with the ability to learn and adapt to new systems Documentation, referring patients to allied health for assessments.
  • Monitored patients and noted any deterioration from base line
  • Maintained and updated patient notes to support efficient patient, families needs, while maintaining efficient team work
  • Reviewed activities regularly to identify opportunities for improvement
  • Recognised opportunities to increase clinical skills and knowledge Abides by the Ethics, Code of Conduct and standards as set out byNursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

Southern Cross Care
03.2018 - 04.2020


  • Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
  • Responsible for primary care and case management
  • Administered medications and monitored patients for side effects and adverse reactions.
  • Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, evaluations, treatments and patient education /instructions
  • Highly developed organisational and communication skills Collaboration with team to achieve quality of care
  • Provided behavioral/emotional support and supervision for those with dementia and Alzheimer's
  • Liaison with family members and residents to obtain medical information
  • Encouraged creative thinking, problem solving, and empowerment as part of the facility management group to improve morale and teamwork.
  • Collaborated with managers to correct problems and improve services.
  • Administered job knowledge assessments and competency testing for certification-level training.
  • Conducted monthly patient case conferences, in-services and staff meetings to educate staff and facilitate good communication.
  • Improved delivery of patient care through reviewing and implementing improvements to clinical approaches
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate team while supervising care staff of 6 in a high dementia care unit
  • Analyses patient and family feedback to identify opportunities for staff recognition as well as areas for improvement.
  • Investigated, provided and submitted information to Quality Department about special incidents, events and complaints.
  • Accurately recorded and reported test results according to established procedures
  • Ensured safety and well-being of all residents, families and staff Participated in unit-based Quality Assurance Program
  • Supported junior nurses in assessing patients, writing care plans while undertaking evaluations
  • Worked closely with team of health care professional and service providers to deliver best possible care to each patient.
  • Completed in-depth evaluations of the quality and effectiveness of nursing practices and organisational systems.
  • Operated within evidence-based practice guidelines, consistently maintaining department policies and meeting patient care standards.
  • Supervised the implementation of new and improved regulatory and accreditation processes.
  • Carried out high-quality holistic nursing with little oversight.
  • Helped managers improve area operations by sharing customer feedback and contributing new ideas.
  • Lead teams through routine operations and unexpected challenges with strong decision-making skills and clinical knowledge.
  • Determined team targets and implemented plans to achieve goals at individual and group level.
  • Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships
  • Priorities tasks and achieve goals within time frame Recognised opportunities to increase clinical skills and knowledge Abides by the Ethics, Code of Conduct and standards as set out by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

Assistant in Nursing

Southern Cross Care
07.2014 - 03.2018
  • Organized and managed patient charts and files
  • Provided holistic care to residents and families, while optimising optimal health care needs.
  • Working in a multidisciplinary team ,along side co workers and independently when needed.
  • Maintaining nutritional needs as set out by dietician while following speech therapist recommendations.
  • Behavior management and prevention using documented strategies
  • Efficient incident writing reflecting factual information Documentation, updating residents files to support efficient care.
  • Preceptor for new employees teaching important procedures such as manual handling, ALD's, nutrition and documentation.
  • Met targets consistently by working hard and with strong attention to detail as set out by management and team leaders.
  • Satisfied residents and families by providing friendly and knowledgeable support to meet their care needs.
  • Maintained therapeutic relationships with residents and families.

Education

Graduate Certficate in Palliative Care - Palliative Care Nursing

Flinders University
Adelaide, SA
12.2022

CERTIFICATE - PCOC - - Palliative Care Nursing

University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW
02.2021

Bachelor of Nursing - BACHELOR OF NURSING - REGISTERED NURSE

University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA
Adelaide, SA
12.2020

PCC4U - PALLIATIVE CARE -ENROLLED NURSE TOOL KIT -

Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD
07.2020

Palliative Care Curriculum For Undergraduates -

PCC4U
04.2020

CERTIFICATE III IN DEMENTIA PRACTICE - - Dementia - EoL

University of Tasmania
Hobart, TAS
12.2018

Diplom A of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse

Broken Hill Tafe Western
Broken Hill, NSW
12.2017

CERTIFICATE III IN AGE CARE AND SUPPORT - AIN

Robinson College
Broken Hill, NSW
12.2016

Certificate - Palliative Care AIN Modules 1-4

Palliative Care NSW
2015

Skills

    * Team Leader / team cohesion

    * Highly developed organisational skills

    * Fluent Communication ability

    * Holistic / Patient Focused

    * Multidisciplinary Team Member
    * Ability to work Independent

    * Proactive and professional clinical nurse

    * Acute Care
    * Oncology Care
    * Chronic Care / Age Care

    * Aboriginal Health

    * Palliative Care Dementia Care

    * End of Life care
    * Symptom management PCOC
    * Documentation / assessments
    * Usage of Electronic Charts Medication

    * Administration and monitoring

    * IV, PICC, SCCI
    * Vital Signs / COSA /

    * Symptom management Wound care -

    * Chronic and Acute
    * Policy and Procedure enforcement
    * Attention to detail Problem-solving skills

    * Ability to multi task
    * Abides by code of conduct and ethics standards as per NMBA
    * Follows NMBA Standards of practice

Refree


Name; Ms. Shannon West

Phone; 0880 801300

Email: shannon.west@health.nsw.gov.au

Title: Registered Nurse - CNS 


Name; Ms. Tayla Dwyer

Phone: 0880 801300

Email; tayla.dwyer@health.nsw.gov.au

Title: Social Work Manager - Social Worker B.Ed BA MSW 


Timeline

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Palliative Care

NSW Health
02.2022 - Current

Registered Nurse - Palliative Care

NSW Health
07.2021 - 02.2022

Registered Nurse - Palliative Care

Calvary Community Palliative Care
01.2021 - 07.2021

Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

Broken Hill Base Hospitail
04.2020 - 12.2020

Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

Southern Cross Care
03.2018 - 04.2020

Assistant in Nursing

Southern Cross Care
07.2014 - 03.2018

Graduate Certficate in Palliative Care - Palliative Care Nursing

Flinders University

CERTIFICATE - PCOC - - Palliative Care Nursing

University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong

Bachelor of Nursing - BACHELOR OF NURSING - REGISTERED NURSE

University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA

PCC4U - PALLIATIVE CARE -ENROLLED NURSE TOOL KIT -

Queensland University of Technology

Palliative Care Curriculum For Undergraduates -

PCC4U

CERTIFICATE III IN DEMENTIA PRACTICE - - Dementia - EoL

University of Tasmania

Diplom A of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse

Broken Hill Tafe Western

CERTIFICATE III IN AGE CARE AND SUPPORT - AIN

Robinson College

Certificate - Palliative Care AIN Modules 1-4

Palliative Care NSW

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