Dr Lauren Lines

Dr Lauren Lines (RN, BNhons, MN, PhD) is a Lecturer in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University. Lauren has a background as a paediatric nurse, working for almost 10 years in paediatric acute medical and surgical environments. In her current role, Lauren teaches undergraduate nursing and postgraduate specialist paediatric nursing. Lauren’s PhD thesis (2020) focussed on nurses' experiences of responding to child abuse and neglect in child focussed settings in Australia.

In her post-PhD research, Lauren is exploring how to build capacity of the nursing and midwifery workforce to support all children to thrive in safe, strong families and communities. The Safeguarding Project (2020-2021) was founded by a Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant and it mapped the nature and scope of nurses' and midwives' roles in safeguarding children in Australia. Key findings highlighted that nurses' and midwives' diverse knowledge, skills and practice to enact prevention, early intervention and responses to child abuse and neglect. Lauren's ongoing research focusses on how to best prepare, support and resource nurses and midwives to make a difference for children, especially children who are experiencing adversities. Findings will inform the development of professional safeguarding standards that articulate nurses' and midwives roles, guide operational planning, facilitate interdisciplinary communication and ultimately promote better outcomes for vulnerable children in Australia.