Dr Vanessa Gorman, founder of Aretiva Health Advisory
Meet Our Founder

From the Bedside to the Boardroom and Everything in Between.

Dr Vanessa Gorman

DNP, MSN, RN, GradDipHSM, FAEN, FCENA

With more than 30 years of experience spanning emergency nursing, healthcare leadership and health system management, Vanessa brings a wealth of practical knowledge and a genuine passion for helping nurses grow and succeed.

Her career has taken her from frontline clinical practice to senior executive leadership, government and international nursing governance. Throughout that journey, one belief has remained constant: leadership is not defined by a title, and every nurse deserves the opportunity to realise their potential.

In Her Own Words

Why I Founded Aretiva

Throughout my nursing career, I've experienced the challenges, opportunities and unexpected turns that come with professional growth.

I've seen firsthand how encouragement, mentoring and access to opportunities can change the direction of someone's career.

I created Aretiva Health Advisory to support nurses as they navigate their own professional journeys, whether they're finding their feet, considering their first leadership position or exploring what comes next.

My goal isn't to tell people what their career should look like. It's to help them recognise their strengths, explore what's possible and develop the confidence to pursue it.

Vanessa Gorman at the Emergency Nurses Association conference
What Guides Me

Five Values. One Purpose.

My approach to leadership, mentoring and professional development is grounded in five values that have guided me throughout my nursing career. They reflect how I work with people, approach challenges and create opportunities for others.

People First

Putting people at the centre of every decision. Creating opportunities for nurses to feel supported, valued and empowered to grow.

Collaboration

Listening, valuing different perspectives and recognising that we achieve more when we learn from and support one another.

Integrity

Leading with honesty, transparency and respect. Building relationships grounded in trust and professional accountability.

Innovation

Embracing fresh ideas, new technologies and different ways of thinking to advance nursing practice, education and leadership.

Global Impact

Connecting people, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities beyond geographical and organisational boundaries. Bringing global perspectives to local nursing challenges.

Vanessa Gorman at the Academy of Emergency Nursing conference
Leadership Philosophy
"Leadership isn't about how far you climb. It's about the opportunities you create for others along the way."

I believe great leadership is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to develop others. My approach to coaching and mentoring is personal, practical and shaped by the realities of nursing and healthcare.

Leadership isn't about guarding the gate. It's about opening it.
Experience That Shapes My Approach

Experience That Shapes My Approach

Emergency Nursing

More than 30 years of clinical and healthcare experience.

Healthcare Leadership

Experience across clinical management, executive leadership and health system operations.

Professional Governance

International nursing leadership and governance through the Emergency Nurses Association.

Education & Development

Doctoral-level education, professional development and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Vanessa is an elected Board Director of the Emergency Nurses Association (USA), serving as Secretary/Treasurer in 2026, President-Elect in 2027 and President in 2028. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership and is a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Nursing and the College of Emergency Nursing Australasia.

Vanessa Gorman, Director, at the ENA General Assembly
Work With Vanessa

Your Next Chapter Starts Here.

Whether you're exploring your career direction, preparing for a leadership opportunity or looking for guidance from someone who understands the realities of nursing, I'd love to connect.