Following in the footsteps of her mother and two sisters, Adjunct Associate Professor Jenny Hurley’s childhood aspirations were to be a good nurse and midwife.
‘My mother’s humanity, compassion and caring were the drivers for my career choice of nursing and midwifery,’ says Jenny (MHlthAdmin ’12).
Setting the strategic direction for more than 33,000 nurses and midwives across the State in her role as the Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer at SA Health, Jenny’s professional career has progressed beyond her childhood dreams.
In 2012 Jenny graduated from a Master of Health Administration at Flinders University. ‘Recognised globally as a forerunner to progressing executive leadership skills and development, the program offered diversity and flexibility, and the ability to network with a wide range of professions,’ says Jenny.
Throughout her career she has been a passionate advocate for nurses and midwives. She strives to build a sustainable and resilient workforce, recognising the nursing and midwifery values in influencing and shaping health services for the South Australian community.
‘I truly value the compassion and dedication of nurses and midwives at all levels, and their contributions in providing quality health care and services. My vision is to grow their capability and capacity to lead, influence and shape health policy,’ says Jenny.
She now provides high level system leadership and advice on nursing and midwifery professional, workforce and policy matters across SA Health, supporting the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, and the Chief Executive of SA Health.
A modest and humble leader, Jenny is known amongst her peers as a passionate, inspiring, engaging, influential and ‘go to’ person, who gets the job done in a professional and exemplary manner.
Jenny continues to work towards better working conditions and outcomes for South Australia’s public sector nurses and midwives, including the establishment of leadership and management programs. She is currently focused on building capacity and capability in the rural nursing and midwifery workforce and the State’s mental health nursing workforce.
Adjunct Associate Professor Jenny Hurley was awarded a 2019 Flinders University Distinguished Alumni Award for her outstanding leadership, advocacy and commitment to the ongoing development of nursing and midwifery practices within South Australia.