Melanie Topping
Summary
Clinical nurse consultant with extensive expertise in patient care and healthcare management. Demonstrated success in clinical leadership, advanced assessment, and the development of evidence based practices to provide optimal outcomes for children and their families. I lead the service through mentoring and educating medical and nursing staff. I act as the key liaison between medical, nursing and allied health teams to provide optimal care coordination.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Nurse consultant Orthopaedics
Queensland Childrens Hospital
2014 - Current
- Provided expert consultation for complex cases, ensuring comprehensive assessments and appropriate interventions were delivered.
- Led daily ward rounds, contributing valuable insights from a nursing perspective to inform comprehensive treatment plans for patients with complex needs.
- Served as a clinical resource to staff, patients and families.
- Reduce hospital readmissions by developing and implementing a successful discharge planning process for high-risk patients.
- Developed educational materials and conduct in-service training for medical, nursing and allied health staff
- Review patient health status and developed individualised care plans.
Telehealth Registered Nurse Casual
Aspen Medical for HealthDirect Australia
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Utilised critical thinking skills when assessing patient needs, swiftly identifying potential concerns and implementing appropriate interventions remotely.
- Obtained case history and gathered triage information to determine appropriate avenue for care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Nurse Unit Manager
Mater Childrens Hospital
2008 - 2014
- Oversaw recruitment efforts within the nursing unit, selecting highly skilled candidates who would contribute positively to the team dynamic.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts, ensuring seamless continuity of care for all patients on the unit.
- Established a strong rapport with patients and their families, addressing concerns and providing valuable support throughout the treatment process.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for nursing staff members, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Managed budgetary concerns within the nursing unit, carefully allocating resources and controlling costs.
- Raised staff retention rates by fostering a positive work culture focused on professional growth and development.
Clinical Nurse / Registered Nurse
Princess Alexandra Hospital and Mater Children’s
1998 - 2008
- Provided clinical oversight and support to health care teams.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new clinical programs.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
Education
Bachelor Of Nursing Science -
James Cook University
Queensland Master of Health Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
James Cook University
Queensland 01-2016
Graduate Certificate - Paediatric Nursing
University of Tasmania
Tasmania 01-2010
Bachelor of Health Science - Occupational Health And Safety
Central Queensland University
Queensland 01-2002
Skills
- Clinical diagnosis
- Clinical operations oversight
- Continuous improvement initiatives
- Ethical decision-making
- Professional connections management
- Patient care decision-making
- Healthcare leadership
- Workforce enhancement
- Collaborative team development
Timeline
Telehealth Registered Nurse Casual
Aspen Medical for HealthDirect Australia
01.2024 - 05.2024
Clinical Nurse consultant Orthopaedics
Queensland Childrens Hospital
2014 - Current
Nurse Unit Manager
Mater Childrens Hospital
2008 - 2014
Clinical Nurse / Registered Nurse
Princess Alexandra Hospital and Mater Children’s
1998 - 2008
Bachelor Of Nursing Science -
James Cook University
Master of Health Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
James Cook University
Graduate Certificate - Paediatric Nursing
University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Health Science - Occupational Health And Safety
Central Queensland University
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