Summary
South West Health Nurse Educator Sheldon Omwamba is using the skills and confidence gained through a prestigious leadership program to help shape the future of nursing and aged care across the South West.
As a Vivian Bullwinkel Scholar, Sheldon recently completed the Institute of Leadership Nurse Director Leadership Program (NDLP) through the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), an experience he describes as transformative for both his leadership development and career aspirations.
South West Health Nursing and Midwifery Education Team Director Leanne Raatz said the program provided Sheldon with a structured framework for leadership, while encouraging reflection on his values, strengths and opportunities for growth.
“While already experienced in clinical leadership roles, Sheldon said the program helped him broaden his perspective beyond operational leadership to a more strategic and systems-focused approach,” Leanne said.
For Sheldon, a key takeaway was the confidence to step outside his comfort zone and pursue new opportunities aligned with his passion for aged care and healthy ageing.
This is reflected in his current role as a nurse educator in South West Health, where he supports workforce development and assists nurses transitioning into aged care practice.
"The program reinforced that leadership is not defined by position alone, but by the ability to inspire, support and drive meaningful outcomes," Sheldon said.
The NDLP also strengthened Sheldon's commitment to improving outcomes for older people, particularly those living with chronic and complex health conditions. Through the program, he developed a deeper understanding of the importance of policy, governance and system-level thinking in addressing some of the challenges facing the aged care sector.
These insights complement his work as a former ACN Policy Fellow, where he contributed to submissions supporting aged care reforms and advocated for positive change across the sector.
For Sheldon, one of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to connect with nurse leaders from across the country.
“The mentorship, networking and shared experiences continue to influence my leadership journey, helping build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of professional identity,” he said.
“I really hope to continue advancing into senior leadership positions, including Director of Nursing roles, where I can champion high-quality, person-centred care and support the next generation of nurses.”
Reflecting on the experience, Sheldon said the program has strengthened his ability to lead in complex healthcare environments and reinforced his commitment to advocacy, compassion and excellence in nursing.
His achievements demonstrate the value of investing in leadership development and the positive impact it has on our workforce, our services and the communities we care for.