NSW—Lovely Ramiscal is a dedicated nurse educator with more than 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the nursing field. From her early days as an Operating Theatre Nurse and Clinical Nurse Instructor in the Philippines in 2006, to her pivotal role as a District Nurse Educator in the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) in Australia, Lovely’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to patient care, education and the growth of young nurses.
Lovely moved to Australia in 2013, starting her career as a Surgical Nurse with a focus on colorectal and acute surgical specialities. Her expertise and dedication soon earned her the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist and Facility Appointed Base Facilitator at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in 2016. In 2018, she took on her current position as District Nurse Educator at the Education and Organisational Development Service (EODS) of SWSLHD. In this role, she supports a network of hospitals, including Bankstown, Bowral, Campbelltown Fairfield and Liverpool, by guiding and mentoring the next generation of nurses.
With an impressive educational background that includes a Master of Clinical Nursing (Acute Care), a Post Graduate Diploma and Certificate in Acute Care Nursing, a Post Graduate Certificate in Adult and Vocational Education, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Bachelor of Nursing with Clinical Honours, a Bachelor of Nursing from Australian Catholic University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Philippines, Lovely brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
As a District Nurse Educator, Lovely coordinates the GradStart Program for newly-registered nurses and oversees the Nursing and Midwifery Orientation at Bankstown Hospital. Each year, she guides around 60 to 70 new graduates, ensuring they have a consistent and enriching transition experience that maximises their learning. “The most rewarding aspect of my role is witnessing the growth, development and achievements of my newly-qualified Registered Nurses,” she shares.
Training nurses in a multicultural and generationally diverse environment presents unique challenges. Lovely explains that each generation has distinct learning styles and communication preferences. “I work with a mix of Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z nurses. Millennials and Gen Z often prefer technology-based learning methods like simulations and digital resources, while older generations may value hands-on practice and traditional lectures,” she explains. To bridge these differences, she adapts her teaching methods, combining interactive, technology-driven activities with more traditional approaches to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Communication style is another challenge Lovely navigates with skill. Older nurses tend to favour structured communication, while younger nurses often prefer a collaborative and informal approach. As an educator, Lovely mediates these generational differences, fostering respect and open-mindedness among team members. She also notes differences in work-life balance priorities. While younger nurses often value flexibility and personal well-being, older generations may expect traditional demands such as overtime. Lovely’s approach is to promote adaptability, encouraging younger nurses to learn from the experience of their senior colleagues while also supporting senior nurses as they adapt to new practices and technologies.
Lovely’s Filipino background has profoundly shaped her approach to mentorship and education. In the Philippines, caregiving is deeply rooted in the cultural value of “malasakit” (compassion and empathy). “This guides me to nurture not only clinical skills but also a deep sense of empathy in my mentees,” she shares. Lovely encourages nurses to see beyond technical skills and connect with patients and families through compassionate, patient-centered care.
Lovely’s mentorship has left a lasting impact on many young nurses in Australia. She believes that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and that each step in the nursing journey builds not only skills but character. Her guidance helps shape a future generation of nurses who are not only skilled but compassionate, understanding, and deeply committed to patient wellbeing.
