Leigh's began her career as a registered nurse working in the field of psychogeriatrics before commencing as a paramedic with Wellington Free Ambulance in the 1990’s.  During her time with Wellington Free Leigh has worked as an intensive care paramedic, rescue paramedic, in-service educator and lecturer at Whitireia Polytechnic on the Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic). Leigh joined the team at the University of Tasmania in 2012 and enjoys teaching units that connect to her interests of aged care, obstetric and paediatric care and the professional practice of paramedics, including interprofessional learning. These areas of interest underpin Leigh’s research portfolio.  Leigh's PhD studies focus on the role of altrusism in paramedic practice.

Biography

Leigh's nursing practice focused on problem solving issues experienced by older individuals with late onset mental health conditions characterised by complex behaviours. Leigh also worked with families and care facilities to identify ways in which to manage complex issues. In addition to her work as a paramedic 'on-road' Leigh has always held a secondary role in education, including public first aid, first aid for health professionals and paramedic education from entry level to post-graduate studies. Leigh is particularly interested in how we teach others to practice healthcare in a mindful manner, giving the patient and their family the best experience possilble during their moment of need.

Career summary

Qualifications

• PhD student, current
• Master in Leadership (Health and Human Services), University of Tasmania, 2018
• Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership, Australian Catholic University, 2013
• Graduate Certificate in Intensive Care Paramedicine, Victoria University, 2002
• National Diploma in Ambulance Level 6, Ambulance Education Council, 2002
• Post Basic Certificate: Care of the Older Adult, Manawatu Polytechnic, 1995
• Diploma of Nursing, Whitireia Community Polytechnic, 1990

Administrative expertise

Leigh functions as both unit coordinator and course coordinator with the Bachelor of Paramedic Practice degree. These roles coupled with previous experiences, such as campus and national/international student placement overview, benefit from Leighs strong organisational and problem solving capacity.

Teaching

aged care, obstetrics and paediatrics, trauma care, cardiology, law and ethics, sociology, mental health, interprofessional placements in paramedicine

Teaching expertise

Leigh has experience teaching into a broad range of subjects related to paramedicine covering topics from birth to old age, medical to trauma and in both face-to-face and online modalities. Leigh respresents the Discipline of Paramedic on the Tasmanian School of Medicine Learning and Teaching committee.

Teaching responsibility

Units Taught

• CAA209 Emergency Ambulance Clinical Placement 3
• CAA306 Trauma in Out-of-Hospital Practice
• CAA207 Inter-professional Placement
• CAA307 Obstetrics and Paediatrics in Paramedic Practice