Episode 9 - Sandi Hadden - Journey to Nurse Practitioner/Advocate for Voluntary Assisted Dying/Patient Choice

Sandi Hadden’s Journey to Nurse Practitioner & Advocacy for Voluntary Assisted Dying, Courage, Palliative Care, and Advocating for Patient Choice. In this episode, we sit down with Sandi, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in Aged and Palliative Care. Sandi takes us through her inspiring and determined journey—from training at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne in 1984 to navigating roles in general medical nursing, oncology, and eventually, palliative care. Her experience working with cancer patients facing end-of-life care deeply influenced her career path. She shares how she knocked on doors to secure her first palliative care role and how her passion led her across states, from Melbourne to Queensland and back to Victoria. Along the way, Sandi pursued postgraduate studies, gained leadership experience as a Director of Nursing, and ultimately answered the call to become a Nurse Practitioner—a goal she achieved in 2015. Sandi also opens up about her involvement in the Voluntary Assisted Dying movement, discussing the complexities, ethical considerations, and the impact on patients and families. Her perspective provides a thought-provoking look at end-of-life care and the evolving role of nurses in advocating for patient choice. Join us for this compelling conversation about courage, career transitions, and the power of compassionate care. If you would like to get in touch with Sandi or be a guest on this podcast, make contact today at https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/