Mrs Fiona D’Costa-Box

Biography

Fiona D'Costa-Box is a Registered Nurse and lifelong learner who has devoted almost two decades of her career to nursing education. She is currently a PhD candidate in Nursing at RMIT University, where her research interests include education, nursing education, international students, international nurses, healthcare policy, and the concept of empowerment. Fiona is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise with her students and believes in utilizing 21st-century technology to enhance the learning experience in the classroom.

Fiona has a Master of Science in Nursing (MSCN) degree, in which she graduated with the highest GPA in her class, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) degree and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in History. In addition, Fiona has obtained several certificates and diplomas in nursing education and other related fields.

Fiona's passion for nursing and education has provided her with opportunities to work in diverse areas of nursing, including Maternity, Paediatrics, Aged Care, Community nursing, Palliative care, and Orthopaedic surgery. Fiona has worked in various nursing roles in both Canada and Australia. Currently, she is a Nursing Lecturer at Swinburne University in Australia, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with nursing students, including international students, to prepare them for their future careers in healthcare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fiona also served as a Clinical Team Lead for the Alfred Hospital as well as provided immunizations in the mass vaccination clinics. She witnessed firsthand the challenges that nurses face in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Her experience has given her a deep appreciation for the importance of sustainability in the nursing workforce and the need for ongoing education and support. Fiona's dedication to nursing education has only grown stronger in the face of these challenges, and she is committed to empowering the next generation of nurses, including international students, to meet the needs of patients and communities.

Fiona believes in a student-centred and empowering approach to education. Her teaching philosophy focuses on student-centred learning, where she encourages her students to take an active role in their own learning process. She believes that students learn best when they are engaged, challenged, and empowered to take ownership of their learning. By creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, Fiona strives to inspire her students to become confident, competent, and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Fiona is a member of various professional organizations and has presented at various international nursing conferences. Her extensive experience in nursing education and her involvement in these professional organizations have given her a broad perspective on the challenges facing the nursing profession, both nationally and internationally, including the unique challenges faced by international students. She is a firm believer in the importance of lifelong learning and strives to continue her own education in order to stay current with the latest trends and advancements in nursing education and practice.