Jessie Comish
She/her
Why are you nominating for the Board?
I was diagnosed with ASD level 2 in August of 2023, at the age of 29 years old.
My professional and education background: I am a registered nurse and hold a master of advanced nursing. I have studied every qualification level from certificate III to masters in the pursuit of a career in healthcare. I worked as an assistant in nursing, personal care assistant, disability support worker, carer, enrolled nurse, and registered nurse over the span for ten years in the industry.
I am pursuing a two-year higher degree by research due to commence in 2025 with a research project focusing on “neurodivergence in nursing”. I spent my final year of my previous masters degree focusing on this research topic and have learned so much already. I want to share my knowledge and help shape public health policy for the benefit of all people, particularly those with additional support needs.
Unfortunately, I am not able to continue practicing clinical nursing due to my psychosocial disabilities. However, my goal is to generate research evidence I can use to influence the public health system to improve accessibility and support for nurses (and hopefully all health workers) who are neurodivergent. I believe this research and the proposed changes will result in tangible benefits to the individual nurses with additional support needs. We will also see improvements in the wellbeing of all healthcare workers, improved patient outcomes and safety, and financial and resource cost saving as a result of this project if recommendations are adopted.
I am self-nominating for this role to gain more experience in advocacy, research, and policy, while using my unique professional and personal background to share my experiences and perspective for consideration. I am excited for the opportunity to listen to and understand others’ unique perspectives and experiences to better understand the needs of the broader autistic community. I aim to use my platforms, network, and research to advocate for better outcomes for us all.
What involvement have you had in Autistic self advocacy?
On a personal level, I did not know I was autistic until August of 2023. Since my diagnosis I have been on a deeply personal journey of education, self-discovery, and understanding/prioritisation of my own needs. I have learned the ways in which my disabilities impact my emotional, physical, social, and psychological wellbeing and have implemented strategies to maximise wellness within myself. I have begun to have difficult conversations to advocate for my own needs and am still learning the best ways to go about this in different settings. For example, I recently sat down with the leader of a fitness class I attend to discuss my needs regarding temperature regulation, pressure/motivation during the class, sensory overload, and emotional regulation. I wear a sunflower pin on my clothing to communicate my invisible disabilities and have educated the fitness centre on the meaning of the sunflower imagery.
Regarding dedicated autistic advocacy in a public forum, I have limited experience. However, I have recently been utilising social media to communicate my perspectives and ideas, find community and support, and express myself in ways that work for me. I am enjoying using social media in this way and I hope to continue to build my following so that I can advocate for not only my own needs but the needs of all Australians with disabilities in a way that may be influential and impactful.
What experience on and contributions to other boards and committees have you had?
I have previously held a position on the “clinical governance and research committee” with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia. I served in this position for approximately twelve months and was required to attend virtual meetings every 2-3 months to discuss funding and research priority areas for SCIA. I was included in this committee for several reasons. Firstly, my professional background as a registered nurse and, previously, a disability support worker. Secondly, my personal experience providing care and support for clients with spinal cord injuries through ParaQuad. And finally, my personal experience as an unopaid carer for my ex husband, who is a paraplegic man that uses a wheelchair to mobilise.
I am currently participating in a research project as a volunteer student research co-designer for a collaborative project between the University of Technology Sydney and Unique Minds. The project is investigating the experience of neurodivergent students at UTS with the aim of improving accessibility of the physical environment and resources, and providing education and resources to UTS staff, to improve the student experience. I am required to attend these meetings on campus at UTS sporadically. The role of student research co-designer is to provide perspective and ideas to the academic researchers to maximise accessibility of the project, analyse data, and make recommendations to the university. This has been an interesting and exciting project of which I am proud to be a part.
What are your areas of expertise?
Educational and professional background: Healthcare – Certificate III aged care, certificate III disability, certificate IV individual support, diploma of nursing, advanced diploma of nursing, bachelor of nursing, graduate certificate in perioperative nursing, graduate diploma in advanced nursing, master of advanced nursing.
Vocational education – Certificate IV in training and assessment (40110 then upgraded to 40116), diploma of vocational education and training, diploma of training design and development.
Professional experience in disability support and aged care, general practice, operating theatres (instrument/circulating nurse), vocational education and training.
Volunteer experience on the SCIA research committee (discussed in previous response) and St John Ambulance NSW.
Leadership experience in the divisional executive position of vice president for CanTeen Sydney and Southern NSW Division, as a store manager of a Dominos store (prior to commencing in healthcare), as a mentor for junior nursing staff and students.
Personal experience of AuDHD, psychosocial disabilities, mental ill-health, caring/supporting a partner with physical disabilities.
Which of these areas do you have strong skills in that you would apply on the ASAN-AUNZ Board?
- Governance expertise including experience on Boards and committees and/or leadership roles.
- Working with vulnerable cohort.
- Social media planning, copywriting and posting.
- Co-design facilitation and participation.
- Accessibility including online and easy read.
What else would you like the members of ASAN-AUNZ to know about you? (optional)
My psychosocial disabilities and mental health are dynamic and unpredictable. I have developed strategies and routines to manage and prioritise my wellbeing to the best of my abilities however, there are individual days and/or periods of time in which I am unable to care for myself independently. During these periods, I struggle to meet my basic physiological needs or engage in self care which impacts my ability to meet my obligations. I am building a strong support network of healthcare professionals and personal connections who support and care for me, but there wil be periods of difficulty in the future. I strive to meet my obligations by scheduling meticulously and completing work ahead of time when I have the personal resources to do so.