My name is Ashton Embry. I was born in Busselton, WA on Wardandi Noongar Boodja.  I grew up by the ocean and lived in a supportive environment that encouraged me to pursue my aspirations and always advocate for what I believe is right. From an early age, I knew I wanted to become a Registered Nurse, and since then I have chosen to dedicate my professional career and consequently a large portion of my life to improving health outcomes for the paediatric children and their families.

At age 17, I moved away from my family to Perth to further my studies at the University of Notre Dame. After working in the Special Care Nursery at King Edward Memorial Hospital, I later relocated to the Kimberley in WA to advance my career in the remote setting. After two years, I then moved and settled in Sydney to continue my professional journey in paediatric critical care.  My ideal work environment is one that presents challenges, demanding a high level of learning to further develop my nursing skills. I possess a solid education foundation and passion for caring for critically ill newborns and kids, alongside aboriginal health.

As an Aboriginal woman, I take great pride in my heritage and carry the legacy passed down through generations of my family. My Nanna, the matriarch of our family, has been the pillar of our resilience, strength, and my encouragement into a career in nursing. Through the hardships faced, she has embodied a deep connection to culture, advocated for fairness and challenged injustices which I believe all shaped the nurse I am today.

Inspired by Nan’s resilience and commitment to change, I too am dedicated to making a difference. As a nurse, I am committed to improving Aboriginal health outcomes by providing care that is culturally sensitive, patient-centered, and informed by emotional intelligence. I strive to continually enhance my practice and offer the highest standard of care. My decision to move to Sydney was motivated by the desire to learn from skilled colleagues and further my education, equipping me to continue the work of those who, like Nan, have paved the way for better outcomes in our community. My goal is to become a Clinical Nurse Specialists in the Children’s Intensive Care Unit, and this course is instrumental in achieving that. I also plan to support remote areas of Australia, in paediatric Aboriginal health when available. This course will significantly impact my career by positioning me to lead quality improvement initiatives and drive meaningful change. Through further study, I will not only enhance my own nursing practice but also contribute to the advancement of the profession, ultimately improving patient care.