Jane Burns

DIRECTOR
RN, MN, CNLCP, CPCM

Meet Jane – Director of Lighthouse Health Group

Can you tell us about your career journey and how you got started in the disability sector?

I started my career as a paediatric rehabilitation nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) after completing my nursing training at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney in 1987. At CHLA, I worked with a diverse range of patients, from those with traumatic injuries like spinal cord and brain injuries to those with chronic health conditions such as meningococcal disease and rare cancers. This experience inspired me to pursue a Master’s Degree in rehabilitation/disability, focusing on person-centered rehabilitation for both congenital and acquired disabilities.

What led you to found Lighthouse Health Group?

After returning to Sydney in 1992, I worked extensively in the community as a case manager and clinical nurse consultant, primarily with children who had sustained spinal cord and brain injuries. Frustrated with the insurance models of rehabilitation, I founded Lighthouse Health Group in 2000 to create a nurse-led rehabilitation practice in Australia. My goal was to work with like-minded allied health professionals to deliver comprehensive, holistic services that were client-driven rather than therapist or insurer-driven.

What sparked your interest in Life Care Planning and medico-legal reporting?

As I moved into adult rehabilitation and medico-legal reporting, I realized that the long-term costs associated with disability were often not being adequately considered in most claims. This insight became even clearer as research emerged on aging with a disability, and I witnessed children grow into adults facing predictable early complications. In 2003, I returned to the U.S. to train and become Australia’s first certified Nurse Life Care Planner. This qualification focuses on identifying an individual’s needs and associated costs at every stage of life when living with a disability and is the accepted best method to assess a catastrophic claim in the USA and Canada.

How has Lighthouse Health Group expanded over the years?

In 2006, Lighthouse Health Group was invited by a local trustee service to expand into Western Australia, where there was a shortage of private providers. Our person-centered philosophy quickly attracted dedicated staff to help provide new opportunities for people with disabilities in WA. We’ve continued to grow and expand, providing tailored services and support to those in need. 

What is your current focus at Lighthouse?

After 38 years in the disability sector, I feel a responsibility to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained to the next generation of allied health professionals. I continue to mentor staff and my current goals is to have 6 life care planning teams working across Australia in the next 2 years. I also continue to write Life Care Plans and provide guidance to the team here at Lighthouse.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I love learning new things, meeting people from all walks of life, and running a small animal sanctuary in the Southern Highlands of NSW. I also enjoy practicing yoga to unwind.