Meet New CNSA Director: Dr Nicole Gavin

Nicole’s journey into nursing began in the UK, and she knew early on that cancer care was her calling — inspired by the loss of two family friends to cancer during her childhood. After graduating, she took a celebratory trip to Australia – a trip that turned into a life chapter.  Moving to Brisbane in 2006, Nicole began working on the haematology and bone marrow transplant unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, where her curiosity led her to evidence-based practice and research. What started as a project on CVAD dressing changes soon sparked a career in nursing research, eventually leading to a PhD and leadership roles in research across multiple health services.

In 2010, Nicole stepped into a new role as a nurse researcher in cancer care — supporting nurses to turn clinical questions into research opportunities. “I love helping nurses turn their clinical problem into a question that can be solved,” Nicole says, and she’s been doing exactly that ever since.

Her CNSA journey began in 2016, when her PhD supervisor, Professor Claire Rickard, suggested she get involved in updating the CNSA CVAD guidelines. Nicole played a key role in updating those guidelines, which led to the creation of the Vascular Access Device and Infusion Therapy Specialist Practice Network (SPN).  What started as a group of three has grown to over 15 active members and led to cherished friendships with Dr Kerrie Curtis and Fiona Fuller, who share Nicole’s passion for evidence-based practice and elevating the voice of cancer nurses.

In 2021, Nicole took on a secondment as Research Director at Redcliffe Hospital, which gave her the confidence to take up a 0.6FTE role in Innovation and Research at Community and Oral Health. Today, she balances that with her role as Nursing and Midwifery Director – Research at the Royal Brisbane. While her research focus has broadened beyond cancer care, her foundation in cancer nursing continues to shape how she sees the world.

During the pandemic, Nicole worked on the virtual ward — where her cancer nursing skills, especially in assessment and holistic care, proved invaluable. “Cancer nurses are amazing,” she says. “We work across the continuum of care — from prevention to cure, survivorship or palliation. Never underestimate your impact on the people you care for.”

Now, as a CNSA Director, Nicole is eager to advocate for cancer nurses nationally and ensure our voices are heard where it matters most. Her recent Graduate Certificate in Health Service Innovation and upcoming work on a peer-led bereavement support group reflect her ongoing commitment to improving care and supporting our community.

We’re so pleased to welcome Nicole to the CNSA Board!