Working on It: Career Design for Nurses & Midwives Who Want More
9 Days Cruising The Great Barrier ReefCarnival Splendor | Departing Sydney
9 September – 18 September 2026
Take charge of your career, grow your leadership capacity, and reconnect with your purpose
Outline
CONFERENCE SYNOPSIS:
This course is a transformative professional development experience designed specifically for nurses and midwives who are ready to take charge of their careers, grow their leadership capacity, and reconnect with their purpose. Delivered over nine days aboard a cruise through the Great Barrier Reef, this program combines reflective workshops, practical skill-building, and peer-to-peer connection in a relaxed and inspiring environment.
Through a mix of guided sessions and self-directed learning, participants will explore how to map their career journey, define their professional identity, design meaningful roles, and build confidence in areas like CV writing, interview preparation, mentoring, and clinical leadership. With a strong focus on real-world application, the course offers strategies nurses can use immediately to pursue growth, navigate change, and stay engaged in their development, no matter their current role or experience level.
Whether you’re aiming for a leadership role, considering a career pivot, or simply seeking renewed clarity and motivation, this course will help you align your career with what matters most to you and give you the tools to move forward with confidence and intention.
Why It Matters for Nurses?
In today’s healthcare environment, nurses are expected to lead, adapt, educate, and advocate, often while navigating high workloads, shifting systems, and personal career uncertainty. Yet many nurses move from role to role without ever being supported to pause, reflect, and design a career that truly fits.
This conference matters because it provides the space, tools, and mentorship that nurses rarely receive in the workplace. It helps nurses reclaim control over their professional direction, align their work with their values, and build the confidence to pursue leadership, growth, or change, on their own terms.
From understanding how to present your experience in a CV, to shaping your ideal role, leading with integrity, and staying connected to your development, this event empowers nurses not just to survive the system, but to shape it. Whether you’re early in your journey, ready to pivot, or seeking purpose after burnout, this event gives you the clarity, strategy, and support to lead your career forward.
In short, it’s about making your career work for you and that’s something every nurse deserves.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At this Conference, participants will:
Explore strategic career planning and professional identity: Participants will develop clarity around their professional direction by mapping their career journey, aligning personal values with future goals, and identifying opportunities for advancement or realignment.
Develop confidence and practical tools for career progression: Participants will gain the skills to create impactful CVs and applications, strengthen interview performance, and define their ideal role to support future career decisions and transitions.
Apply leadership strategies to navigate change, pressure, and team dynamics: Through practical, scenario-based learning, participants will enhance their capacity to lead with resilience, delegate effectively, manage operational challenges, and influence collaborative team outcomes.
Build sustainable growth practices through mentoring, self-awareness, and goal setting: Participants will explore the value of mentoring, learn how to structure effective mentoring relationships, and establish habits to maintain professional momentum and personal development beyond the event.
YOU WILL ALSO LEARN:
- Strategic career mapping
- Career identity and alignment
- What would your ideal role look like
- Work culture and responsibilities to flexibility, mentorship, impact, and leadership opportunities
- Essentials of CV and application writing
- How to translate your clinical and leadership experience into a strong, well-structured CV and cover letter
- Interview strategy, exploring what makes an authentic and impactful impression
- Putting yourself forward purposefully and powerfully
- What employers are really looking for in nursing applications
- How to create a CV that’s not only well-structured and professional but also tells your unique story
- The most common mistakes nurses make on their applications
- Fundamental interview etiquette and best practices to make a lasting impression
- Mentoring relationships that support both professional growth and personal wellbeing
- Practical tips and techniques for navigating challenging conversations successfully
- The concept of micro-goals, simple, achievable actions that build consistency and explore realistic accountability strategies
- The tools and confidence to deliver constructive feedback and set boundaries
- The core concepts of the Colour Spectrum model, designed to build awareness of personality-driven communication styles
- How their personal colour blend influences communication, leadership, and relationships at work
- On the impact of language how words, tone, and delivery style can either build connection or create disconnection in a team
- Practical tools and permission to lead from where you are
- Most powerful leadership tools you have: the pause
- Building a career that reflects who you truly are
- The importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and understanding
- What it really means to be a strategic thinker in the day-to-day realities of healthcare
- How stress affects our decision-making and leadership style
CPD HOURS: 24
OUR PRESENTERS:
LISA LUCAS
RN, BSN, MSN (Emergency Nursing – Trauma)
Lisa Lucas, a Nursing Director in South East Queensland, has over 20 years of experience across specialties like Oncology, Surgical, Cardiology, Retrieval Services, and Emergency Nursing. She has spent 16 years in major emergency departments and held leadership roles including Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Nurse Educator.
A Nurse of the Year and Nursing Director of the Year winner, Lisa comes from a family of nurses spanning three generations and is passionate about mentoring and professional growth. Her dedication to developing future nurse leaders inspired her to co-found The Hive Development, expanding her impact beyond her immediate team.
JASON DAWSON
R.N., BACH NURSING
Jason Dawson is a Registered Nurse from the Gold Coast Queensland. Whilst studying his bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University he developed an interest in mental health and has been working in this field of nursing since completing his studies in 2008.
In this time, Jason has undertaken varied roles including Acute Inpatient Nursing, Community Nursing, clinical facilitating and Nurse Unit Manager positions. In 2012, Jason combined his passion for nursing with his love of travel and founded CPD Cruise Pty Ltd with the view to providing Nurses the opportunity to update and improve their skills in diverse and unique locations.
The Cruise Ship: Carnival Splendor
It’s hard to tell which onboard space best represents Carnival Splendor — they all seem to hint at the amazing time you’re going to have. El Morocco Lounge hosts comedy shows, musical performances, karaoke and more… and wears its 1930s namesake clearly on its nameplate. The words “Royal Flush Casino” incite visions of winning, while our onboard jazz club — The Cool — simply says it all without saying a word. And Fahrenheit 555™ can be found not only at the height of elegant dining, but at the actual apex of the ship.
If you like your fun to flow, there are options aplenty. If you list “splishing” and “splashing” among your favorite things to do, there’s Carnival WaterWorks™. Those into sitting and sliding are invited to try the all-new Green Lightning thrill-slide. How about floating or swimming around? Carnival Splendor has pools all over the place, including the midship pool featuring a retractable roof that makes any day a pool day. So whether you splish or splash, you’ll find hydro-excitement galore.
If relaxation is your thing, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™ is more your place. Or if you’re looking to take relaxation to the extreme, direct your attention to the Cloud 9 Spa™, featuring more (and better) ways to kick back than just about anywhere else, on land or at sea. You haven’t lived until you’ve relaxed in a Thalassotherapy pool, or chilled — so to speak — in a dry heat chamber.
The Program:
The program content is provided by expert Educators with extensive clinical and education experience. The education content provided in this program meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian land-based program.
No matter what conference you attend you always need accommodation a cruise ship provides a great all-inclusive* accommodation option to enhance your Conference experience.
Education at Sea and The Nurses for Nurses Network combine great education with fabulous travel adventures. We have taken a holistic approach to Nursing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure you get the most out of your education-travel experience.
The Online Library:
The Library has been created so that you have access to some of the Conference content prior to our sail date. The documents, including self-directed activities and webinars, from our Conference Presenter, are provided so that you can create your own conference experience and access information and sessions of interest prior to the commencement of the Conference program.
Disclaimer: Sessions are correct at time of publication. Sessions are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers. NFNN and EAS reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.
Itinerary
| Day and Location | Events |
|---|---|
| Day 1: 9th September 2026 Departure: Sydney |
4.30pm: We set Sail Make sure you are on deck to say bon voyage. Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers so much—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. As Australia’s oldest city and one of the world’s most culturally diverse, Sydney offers something for everyone—from global cuisine and fascinating museums to rich history and lively local pubs. Don’t miss The Rocks, a charming harbourside precinct filled with shops, historic buildings, and character around every corner. 5pm to 6pm: Conference Registration and Welcome Function Enjoy this opportunity to mingle with the other attendees at the complimentary drinks and Conference Registration function. All delegates are required to attend the Conference registration session to collect their Conference pack and confirm registration details to ensure the correct issuing of their CPD certificate. |
| Day 2: 10th September 2026 At Sea |
8am to 12.30pm – Face to Face Sessions
Afternoon Self-directed Sessions
6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 3: 11th September 2026 At Sea |
Morning: Self-directed activities
12.30pm to 5pm: Face to Face Sessions
6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 4: 12th September 2026 Airlie Beach |
Explore this beautiful destination at your leisure! The white sands of world-famous Whitehaven Beach, glass-bottom-boat day tours on the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, high-speed catamaran joy rides. Travel to the heart of the 74 islands that comprise the picture-perfect Whitsunday Islands, an Australian treasure. Snorkel from the Great Barrier Reef pontoon There’s a multitude of tastes, sights, natural wonders, sightseeing, themed events and year-round fun to suit the whole family. You’ll find so much fun ashore and onboard:
6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 5: 13th September 2026 Cairns |
Explore this stunning destination at your own leisure! Visit the coastal city of Cairns and enjoy a smorgasbord of fun and adventure. Daintree Rainforest tours are the ideal way to experience the ecosystem of the wet tropics of Queensland (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail, or have a tropical rainforest nature park adventure. A day trip to Cairns itself is always worth it, with amazing shopping on the Esplanade and scenic walks that will blow you away. Experience stunning far North Queensland:
6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 6: 14th September 2026 Cruising Willis Island |
Enjoy the day at your own leisure! This tiny island, located 450 kilometres east of Cairns, is home to fascinating wildlife, as well as a manned Australian Bureau of Meteorology weather monitoring station. While the cruise does not include a stop at Willis Island, you can catch glimpses of its natural beauty from the comfort of the ship. As you sail by, you’ll have the opportunity to witness some amazing wildlife that calls this island home, including wedge-tailed shearwaters and sooty terns. 6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 7: 15th September 2026 At sea |
|
| Day 8: 16th September 2026 Tangalooma |
Explore at your Leisure When you step off the ship at Tangalooma on Moreton Island, you have access to a variety of activities that showcase the island’s natural beauty and marine life including Snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, A Marine Discovery Cruise, Wild Dolphin Feeding to name a few. 6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 9: 17th September 2026 |
8am to 12.30pm – Face to Face Sessions
Afternoon Self-directed Sessions:
6pm to 7pm: Farewell Function |
| Day 10: 18th September 2026 Brisbane |
We say our farewells! |
For information relating to cabin pricing, bookings and travel requirements such as travel insurance please complete the booking enquiry box or email enquiries@educationatsea.com.au
Itinerary Disclosure: Cruise Itinerary, Seminar topics and Seminar Education program are subject to change without notice.
Presenter Disclosure: Education at Sea and the Nurses for Nurses Network makes every effort to ensure the advertised presenters deliver the program. However in the unlikely event a presenter is unavailable we reserve the right to use a suitably qualified substitute presenter.
Pricing
| Cabin Selection | Christmas Cruises Sell Fast — Don’t Miss Out! |
|---|---|
| Inside Cabin | from $1079 per person twin share |
| Ocean View Cabin | from $1379 per person twin share |
| Balcony Cabin | from $1961 per person twin share |
| Single Occupancy Cabin | from $2092 |
| Conference Attendance Fee | $1390 per delegate |
What’s included in your Conference Registration?
- An extensive Conference program based on current best practice information equating to 24 CPD Hours
- Education content that meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian land-based program
- Conference Presenter that is a recognised expert in their field & is excited to be able to share her skill, knowledge, & passion with Conference Attendees
- An online Conference library filled to the brim with educational content that allows you to create your own learning experience by completing pre-conference education activities
- A Registration Reception including complimentary drinks where you can meet other Conference Attendees & network with Conference Convenors & Conference Presenter/s
- A Conference pack that includes a notepad, pen, lanyard (this is important on a cruise ship to attach your room key, which becomes your lifeline on a ship) & additional information to support a fantastic Conference experience
- The opportunity to meet as a group in various Conference open forums, in one of the many fabulous locations on the ship
- A complimentary Farewell Drinks Function held on the last night of the Conference to celebrate new friendships & information gained
- A Conference Transcript that identifies each session held at the Conference, including the session synopsis & session presenter/s
- A Certificate of Completion identifying the CPD hours attached to the Conference Program for you to include in your CPD Evidence Portfolio
Prices include exclusive conference activities, selected cabin accommodation, meals, entertainment, gratuities, fees and taxes. Guest price includes all of the above with the exception of the seminar fee. Gratuities, fees and taxes are subject to change without notice. A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is due at time of booking with the balance payable by 1st June 2026. The balance is non-refundable after the final payment date has passed.
Cancellation Penalties and Disclosure: All deposits and registration fee’s are non refundable. Cruise cancellation policies vary by supplier, you can review Carnival Cruise Line terms and conditions here. CPD Cruises Pty limited trading as Education at Sea will not be responsible for any financial loss due to cancellation from unforeseen circumstances. We strongly recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance which includes cruise cover at the time of booking.
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