KAREN ALLAN
Londonderry,NSW
Summary
Experienced Assistant in Nursing with an extensive background in healthcare and education. Initiative-taking, reliable and adaptable professional, dedicated to learning and applying new skills. Passionate about providing empathetic person-centred nursing care that supports positive patient outcomes across their healthcare journey.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant in Nursing
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
04.2023 - Current
- Extensive experience in acute medical/surgical, rehabilitation, and palliative wards.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using a variety of manual and electronic methods.
- Applied critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills to successfully diagnose and treat patients.
- Conducted accurate and timely handovers of patients to nursing, medical and allied health through clinical progress reports and verbal discussion using correct medical terminology.
- Effectively documented and managed patient records and information in accordance with the Privacy Act.
- Recognised deterioration and responded using DETECT while performing an A-G assessment and reassuring the patient.
- Worked collaboratively and proactively supported team members in completing tasks on time, contributing to a positive and safe ward environment.
Patient Transport Officer
State Medical Assistance
04.2022 - 04.2023
- Promoted a positive and inclusive work environment by being inclusive, respectful and courteous towards colleagues, patients, and carers.
- Consistently adhered to and used safe manual handling techniques for patient transfer, minimising injury to patients and colleagues.
- Effectively communicated with patients of diverse needs and cultures through active listening, using clear language and respecting differences, encouraging cooperation, understanding and trust.
COVID-19 Respiratory Technician
Australian Clinical Labs
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Supervised teams of 25 staff at COVID-19 testing sites, conducting heat-risk assessments and implementing targeted mitigation strategies such as extra rest breaks and hydration, resulting in zero heat-related incidents and sustained operational efficiency.
- De-escalated aggressive patient behaviours using active listening and clear communication, ensuring patient and staff safety during peak testing periods.
- Performed up to 150 COVID-19 swabs per 12-hour shift under high-stress work conditions, maintaining strict infection control and patient safety.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to changing priorities during shifts while maintaining a high level of performance under pressure.
- Managed inventory levels of essential supplies such as swabs and test kits, ensuring uninterrupted testing services for the community.
Assistant Principal
Department Of Education And Training
02.1993 - 12.2019
- Led the design and implementation of whole-school wellbeing and behaviour programs, embedding trauma-informed practices in staff development to build staff capability to promote positive student behaviour and strengthen community engagement to create safe, inclusive learning environments.
- Supervised, inducted, and mentored new and student teachers, demonstrating approachability, supportiveness, and generosity in sharing professional knowledge to empower and support the development of effective teaching practice.
- Modelled clear, consistent, and culturally respectful communication with students, staff, and families through active listening and open dialogue, supporting increased engagement with school initiatives and community participation to promote a positive, inclusive school culture.
Education
Bachelor of Nursing -
Western Sydney University
Hawkesbury, NSW01-2025
Bachelor of Education/Technology Secondary -
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW01-2004
Bachelor of Education Primary -
Western Sydney University
Kingswood, NSW01-1993
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Proactive, Positive and Patient
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Clinical assessment and patient observation
- Safe escalation of care
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Accurate clinical documentation
- Patient-centred and compassionate care
- Adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments
- Commitment to patient safety and quality care
Certification
- Wound Management and Physiology
- HLTAID009 - Provide CPR
- HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid
- National Police Criminal History Check (Expires 7/2029)
- Working With Children Check (Expires 01/2026)
- Between the Flags - Recognising and Responding to Deterioration (Adult and Paediatric)
- Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training
Timeline
Assistant in Nursing
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
04.2023 - Current
Patient Transport Officer
State Medical Assistance
04.2022 - 04.2023
COVID-19 Respiratory Technician
Australian Clinical Labs
08.2021 - 03.2023
Assistant Principal
Department Of Education And Training
02.1993 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Nursing -
Western Sydney University
Bachelor of Education/Technology Secondary -
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Education Primary -
Western Sydney University
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