Danielle is a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of diverse clinical experience spanning Emergency Nursing, Interventional Radiology, Rural and Remote Nursing, Immunisation, and Sexual Health. She holds a Master of Emergency Nursing from Griffith University, completed in 2017. She is currently completing her PhD titled “Providing emergency care in rural and remote facilities: what are the needs of non-emergency trained registered nurses new to the environment?”
Danielle began her teaching career at the University of the Sunshine Coast 2017. She is passionate about student learning and is particularly focused on ensuring students are well-prepared for the transition to clinical practice. Her teaching philosophy centres on creating a supportive, engaging, and realistic learning environment that bridges theory and practice.
A strong advocate for simulation-based education, Danielle incorporates simulation and scenario-based learning to enhance clinical decision-making, communication, and confidence among nursing students. She is committed to providing high-quality educational experiences that mirror the complexities of real-world healthcare, helping students develop the skills and resilience required for successful clinical placement and professional practice.
Danielle continues to collaborate with colleagues to advance innovative teaching strategies and foster a learning culture that prioritises safety, competence, and compassionate care.
Danielle was awarded a Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in 2024, recognising her commitment to excellence in teaching and learning in the higher education sector.
Professional Memberships
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Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK)
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Member of Australia College of Nursing (ACN)
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Member of CRANAplus
Danielle’s research is centred on addressing the unique challenges experienced by nursing professionals in rural and remote settings. Her work aims to strengthen the capacity of the nursing workforce to deliver high-quality emergency care in these environments, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and wellbeing for people living in rural and remote communities.
A key area of her research investigates the specific needs of non-emergency trained Registered Nurses who are newly employed in rural and remote healthcare facilities. These nurses often find themselves providing emergency care with limited resources and minimal formal preparation. Danielle’s research explores the educational, clinical, and organisational supports required to equip these professionals with the skills and confidence necessary to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.
Additionally, she is committed to developing strategies that support new rural and remote RNs as they adapt to the complexities of their new roles. Her work informs workforce development, targeted training initiatives, and policy decisions aimed at improving recruitment, retention, and preparedness of nurses working in Australia’s most underserved regions.
Danielle currently coordinates and teaches the Preparation for Practice courses across the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing Science program.
Teaching areas
Rogers, D., Calleja, P., Byrne, A.-L. and Sahay, A. (2025), Exploring the Role and Skill Requirements of Registered Nurses Working in Rural and Remote Areas. A Scoping Review. J Clin Nurs.