Vanessa Neven
Vanessa Neven brings a wealth of healthcare experience and a genuine passion for mentoring the next generation of nurses to her role at NMIT.
Vanessa’s journey into healthcare began not in a clinical setting, but as a family member receiving care.
“I experienced firsthand the profound impact a compassionate and skilled nurse can have during some of life’s most difficult moments.”
That experience stayed with her and ultimately inspired her to pursue nursing herself, with a deep appreciation for the human side of healthcare. Over the years, Vanessa has worked across diverse roles, from Clinical Nurse Specialist to Business Manager at Harbour Cancer Centre, and Associate Director for Health and ESG at WSP - leading national initiatives and supporting hospital networks.
“These roles have required clear communication, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of clinical environments - all of which are directly relevant to supporting students in clinical placements and preparing them for the realities of healthcare practice.”
Vanessa’s teaching style is adaptive and inclusive, grounded in adult learning principles.
“I aim to foster confidence and competence by creating a safe and engaging learning environment.”
She enjoys using real-world examples to bridge theory and practice and is particularly passionate about supporting learners from underrepresented backgrounds. Her professional interests in sustainability in healthcare, inclusive education, and community wellbeing also shape her approach, ensuring students gain a broad perspective on the factors influencing health outcomes.
For Vanessa, the most rewarding part of teaching is mentoring students through their professional journey.
“I love mentoring and supporting students on their professional journey because it allows me to contribute to the growth of future professionals - not just in their technical skills, but in their confidence, values, and ability to navigate complex systems.”
She believes NMIT is a special place to study because of its strong community connections, commitment to inclusive education, and emphasis on real-world learning.
“Being part of this journey, and supporting learners to find their confidence and purpose, is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Bringing her passion for health, communication, and education into her role, Vanessa is dedicated to supporting students to grow both professionally and personally, and considers it a privilege to guide them as they prepare for a career that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
