Ms Marlen Orsina

Biography

Marlén Orsina is a highly trained Perioperative RN, registered through the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA) since 2010. Marlén is a PhD candidate and currently holds a position as Lecturer and Course Coordinator at the University of Newcastle Australia. Her responsibilities include mentoring, training and assessing undergraduate nursing students in simulation, as well as engaging in research and administrative duties.

Marlén completed a Master in Advanced Nursing Practice with a specialisation in Education from the University of Technology, Sydney, in November 2017. Prior to that, she obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing in November 2013.

Marlén is passionate about improving the learning experiences of all adult learners in nursing, her focus is on integrating innovative and immersive technologies like Virtual Reality. Marlén's research interests align with her pragmatic view of embracing technological advancements for realistic training in intraoperative patient care scenarios, while ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment.

Clinical Experience
Marlén gained her clinical experience as a Perioperative RN in the theatre departments of Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Westmead Public Hospital, as well as Nepean and Norwest Private Hospital. In these roles, Marlen carried out various responsibilities that included instrument/circulating nursing, anaesthetic nursing, recovery nursing, floor coordinator, and involvement in Sterilisation Service Department (SSD). 

Marlén has received advanced and complex training in surgery, specialising in areas such as colorectal, upper GI, plastics, urology/ gynae, burns, orthopaedics, vascular and neuro as both instrument/circulating and anaesthetic nursing. 

Whilst working clinically, Marlén also served as a clinical facilitator and mentored nursing students, facilitated learning opportunities, and ensured the integration of theory with practice. Throughout her career, Marlén demonstrated strong organisational skills and competencies. Marlén obtains ongoing membership with OTA (Operating Theatre Association) and ACORN (Australian College of Operating Room Nurses).

Teaching Experience
Marlén has been working in academia for over 5 years. Prior to her current position, Marlén was employed as a Lecturer B and Course Coordinator at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) in Sydney. Where she coordinated various nursing courses, including Professional Experience courses and Perioperative Nursing 3rd year elective. Marlén has obtained responsibilities at UNDA that included curriculum design, developing blended teaching content for both online and face-to-face courses using a flipped classroom approach, coordinating clinical skills exams, and engaging in academic service and recruitment. Marlén has also gained teaching experience as a sessional academic, tutor, simulator tutor, and clinical facilitator. 

Research Experience
As an early career researcher, Marlén is currently involved in various projects nearing submission for publication. She has been participating as an Associate Investigator in a project titled "A Framework for Staff Education and Training in Palliative and End of Life Care at St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney", with a national recognition grant from St. Vincent Hospital Sydney to the University of Notre Dame Australia. Marlén is also currently participating in internal projects and literature reviews through the University of Newcastle with a common focus on Teaching and Learning improvements.

Marlén’s research interest for her PhD is centered around improving the learning experience for adult students in undergraduate perioperative nursing. As an advocate for innovation, Marlén believes that it is crucial to stay abreast of technological advances that facilitate realistic training scenarios, where students feel safe to make mistakes and supported to reflect on their knowledge and skill gaps that will help them become work ready graduates.