Always positive, enthusiastic, and supportive.
Nikki Ross is the Clinical Research Nurse (Māori) in the Department of Surgery and Critical Care at the University of Otago's Christchurch campus. She focuses on research to improve outcomes and care for tūroro (patients) and whānau (families) with colorectal cancer (CRC), ensuring understanding of Tikanga principles and liaison with Iwi regarding research activities and information dissemination. As a member of Te Ati Awa ki Taranaki, her contributions emphasize Māori health perspectives. Ross holds qualifications including BN, NZRN, PGDipBS, Dip TeAraReoMaori, MACPara.
Her extensive career includes prior roles as Clinical Research Nurse for the Emergency Care Foundation, high performance positions in the health sector, roles with Te Whatu Ora and Iwi Lead Providers, senior management and advisor positions with private organisations, health consultancy, and advisory roles for the Ministry of Health and the Ambulance Sector. Ross's expertise covers research nursing, emergency care (surgical and medical), Māori health, mental health, education, leadership, strategic management, project management and delivery, consultancy and advisory, and emergency responsiveness and management. She has co-authored the 2014 publication 'A 2-Hour Diagnostic Protocol for Possible Cardiac Chest Pain in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial' in JAMA Internal Medicine. Additionally, she serves as an investigator on Health Research Council projects hosted by the University of Otago, such as 'Improving gastrointestinal cancer outcomes with AI-enhanced digital pathways'.
