CANDIDATE: Suzanne Bishaw

Candidate Statement

This statement outlines my knowledge, skills and experience across leadership, governance, management, and digital education systems, and how these enable me to actively contribute to the strategic direction and stewardship of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA).

I am an experienced cancer nurse educator, academic leader and international collaborator, with a strong record of contributing to professional governance, strategic education initiatives and workforce capability building across Australia and the Asia–Pacific region. I bring to the CNSA Board deep disciplinary expertise in cancer nursing education, alongside demonstrated leadership in strategy, governance and contemporary learning systems.

My professional background spans clinical oncology nursing, higher education leadership and professional service. As a Lecturer in the School of Nursing at Curtin University, I provide leadership across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, coordinate complex curricula delivered across multiple international campuses, and contribute to assessment governance and quality assurance. This work aligns closely with the duties of a director, particularly in driving strategic direction, engaging with organisational reports and policy frameworks, and contributing constructively to informed decision-making.

I have substantial experience working within professional and organisational governance structures. I currently serve on the CNSA Education Standing Committee and Congress Scientific Committee and hold a Board position with the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), where I chair the Conference Management Committee. These roles require strategic planning, financial awareness, ethical governance, risk management, and collaborative leadership across diverse stakeholder groups. Through this work, I have actively contributed to organisational reputation, sustainability and alignment with professional standards.

My leadership in cancer nursing education is evidenced through national and international initiatives focused on workforce capability. I have contributed to the revision of the Cancer Nursing Competency and Capability Framework and to the co-development of contemporary education pathways. A key example of my scholarly and strategic impact is a recent peer-reviewed publication I co-authored, "Perspectives on the Evolution of Cancer Nursing in Papua New Guinea through Education: 2021–2025," accepted for publication in Seminars in Oncology Nursing. This work demonstrates my ability to lead education partnerships, support professional development in low-resource settings, and align educational strategy with ethical stewardship and global health priorities.

I bring strong digital and systems expertise through leading online program delivery, implementing assessment innovations aligned with Assessment 2030, and embedding responsible use of digital technologies and generative AI into nursing education. I routinely draw on data, feedback and reporting to guide quality improvement and ensure sustainable, scalable education models.

I am committed to the mission and values of CNSA and would contribute actively as a director by providing strategic insight, ethical leadership, and a strong education and workforce perspective. My experience across academia, professional organisations and international collaborations positions me to support CNSA’s strategic governance, sustainability and standing as the peak body for cancer nursing in Australia.

Brief overview of current and/or previous contribution towards the CNSA and/or cancer control:

I have been an active and committed member of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia for more than a decade, contributing to national cancer nursing leadership, education, and professional development. I currently serve on both the CNSA Education Standing Committee,  and the Congress Scientific Committee, where I support the advancement of evidence informed practice, high quality educational offerings, and the strategic direction of CNSA’s flagship events.

My commitment to cancer nursing leadership began early in my career, including serving as President of the Southeast Queensland Oncology Nurses Group from 2010 –2012 and recently a member of CNSA WA Group. Across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, I have worked as a cancer nurse clinician, educator, and manager, bringing a global perspective to cancer control, education and workforce development.

Currently working in the tertiary sector, my focus is on strengthening person centred care through research, education, and clinical collaboration. My research interests centre on person centred care and how it can be embedded meaningfully across cancer care settings to improve patient experience and outcomes.

Through my longstanding engagement with CNSA and my international clinical and leadership experience, I aim to contribute to the Board a strong commitment to advancing cancer nursing, a passion for high quality education, and a strategic, person centred approach to shaping the future of cancer care in Australia.