Sharlene qualified as a nurse in 2001, she has worked in a variety of different specialities. These include critical care, oncology and cancer rehabilitation. During this period, she completed a postgraduate diploma and BSc (hons) in cancer care. In 2011 she became a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Nutrition, covering both enteral and parenteral nutrition. Her role has evolved, and she is now the Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist for Nutrition.
She has been Treasurer for the NNNG since 2020. In 2023, she completed an MSc in Clinical Leadership, joined the editorial board of the British Journal of Nursing Nutrition Supplements, and was a finalist for a Nursing Times Award.