The Nursing and Midwifery Council of NSW welcomed three new members in July 2020:

• Ms Lyn Francis - registered nurse and registered midwife
• Ms Vasiliki Betihavas – registered nurse
• Ms Jayne Meyer Tucker – community member.

In this Q&A, the new members share a bit about their background and what inspired them to join the Council.

Question 1: What inspired you to join the Council?

Vasiliki: My registered nursing career spans over 24 years and in that time, I have witnessed exceptional nursing care from colleagues as well as care that has me concerned and questioning nursing education and practices. Being able to critically reason, effectively communicate and take accountability for actions is imperative to safe practice. Ultimately as nurses our care should be focused on our patients rather than being disease focused.  Identifying factors that may have contributed to unsafe practice and what we can learn from these experiences is paramount to a profession that is transparent, accountable and empowered.

Lyn: I thought my knowledge, experience and background could be well utilised as a member of the Council.

Jayne: Although I am not a nurse or midwife my career has always had an interface with health. Being at a stage of my life where I have capacity to be a part of broader roles I was keen to combine both my public insights and professional expertise whilst learning from professions that I have much regard for.

Question 2: Can you tell us about your background and how it will inform your role on the Council?

Vasiliki: Being a first in family university graduate from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background (CALD), I am aware of the opportunities education and employment bring to an individual (and their family).  I have benefited from a career that stems two pathways, clinical (24 years) and academia (15 years). My clinical expertise is in the area of critical care and I am currently the Deputy Head of School at ACU. Being both an academic and clinician provides me with insight that will promote informed decision making based on understanding, empathy and legislation.

Lyn: I have an interesting background in nursing and midwifery that includes working in the community, and diverse hospital settings in addition to being a Nurse Unit Manager and practising as a lawyer. For the past 13 years I have also worked in academia in universities in NSW, Northern Territory and Queensland. I think my extensive background can only add to my role on the Council.

Jayne: One of the benefits that I will bring to the Council is my client facing experiences gained from my cSuite background and combined with a common pursuit for social purpose. In addition, since 2014 I held the role of a lay community member for various Health Tribunals and am a great advocate for regulation that supports all parties concerned. My value add will be through my CEO of charities and transformation Board experiences,  particularly around strategic decisions that impact across all sectors.

Question 3: What is life like for you in your free time?

Vasiliki: Being an avid solo hiker, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to hike some great trails including the Camino de Santiago - from France to Spain and the Kumano Kodo in Japan. I am also a K-Drama aficionado.

Lyn: I have 7 grand children, 2 dogs and love walking, playing the harp and singing in choirs!

Jayne: I am an avid exerciser and spring out of bed every morning going to the gym or pilates reformer classes. I would also describe myself as an emerging writer having recently written my first manifesto (Balance Point) sharing my fascination of making better decisions to be the best ancestors we can be.