Working on It: Career Design for Nurses & Midwives Who Want More
Cruising The South PacificQuantum of the Seas | Departing Brisbane
12 February – 19 February 2027
It’s about making your career work for you and that’s something every nurse deserves.
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. 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: Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most innovative cruise ships, where adventure, entertainment and world-class dining come together to create an unforgettable holiday at sea.
Packed with exciting attractions, this ship feels more like a floating entertainment resort. One of its most famous features is the North Star, a glass observation capsule that gently lifts you more than 300 feet above sea level for breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean and destinations below. For thrill-seekers, RipCord by iFLY offers the chance to experience skydiving in a safe wind tunnel right on board.
At the heart of the action is SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea. Here you can challenge friends to bumper cars, try roller skating, play basketball or even join a laser tag battle. There’s also the FlowRider surf simulator, where guests can test their surfing skills on a wave that never stops.
When it’s time to relax, Quantum of the Seas shines with an impressive range of restaurants. Jamie’s Italian serves delicious handmade pasta and rustic Italian favourites, while Wonderland offers a playful, imaginative dining experience with beautifully presented dishes that surprise and delight. Steak lovers will enjoy the premium cuts at Chops Grille, and Izumi is a must for fresh sushi and teppanyaki.
For more casual dining, the lively Windjammer Marketplace offers a wide variety of international dishes, alongside cafés and casual eateries across the ship.
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 1: 12th February 2027 Departure: Brisbane |
4pm – We set Sail: Make sure you are on deck to say bon voyage. 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. |
| Day 2: 13th February 2027 At Sea |
Morning Self-directed Activities: The online library is provided to attendees one week before the sail date and two weeks after the conference has finished. Attendees can watch the sessions at any time during that period.
11am to 12.30pm: Lunch 12.30pm to 5pm: Conference sessions today:
6pm to 7pm: Social get together Join us at the designated meeting spot to catch up and discuss the events of the day. The conference Facilitators and Presenter will be at the venue to answer any of your queries. |
| Day 3: 14th February 2027 At Sea |
8am to 12.30pm: Conference sessions today:
12.30pm to 2pm: Lunch Afternoon: Self-directed via the Online Library
6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 4: 15th February 2027 Mystery Island, Vanuatu |
Explore this beautiful destination at your leisure! Step ashore at Mystery Island and embrace the beauty of simple island living. Wander the island to find your own peaceful retreat, uncover a piece of history at the old World War II airstrip, relax with a traditional massage by the sea, or swim and snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical marine life in the turquoise lagoon. 6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 5: 16th February 2027 Noumea, New Caledonia |
Explore this stunning destination at your own leisure! Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the heart of Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, on one of our cruise ships. Known as the “Paris of the Pacific,” Nouméa boasts more sunny days than any other capital in the South Pacific. Explore the lively atmosphere of this thriving South Pacific island and enjoy the fusion of French and Melanesian flavours during our shore excursions. 6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 6: 17th February 2027 At Sea |
Morning: Self-directed via the Online Library
11.30am to 12.30pm: Lunch 12.30pm to 5pm: Conference sessions today:
6pm to 7pm: Social get together |
| Day 7: 18th February 2027 At Sea |
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| Day 8: 19th February 2027 Brisbane |
Disembark: We say our farewells, safe travels! |
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 | Twin Share – per person |
|---|---|
| Inside Cabin | from $1149 per person twin share |
| Ocean View Cabin | from $1249 per person twin share |
| Balcony Cabin | from $1349 per person twin share |
| Single Occupancy Cabin | from $1749 |
| Conference Attendance Fee | $1390 per delegate |
**Prices are correct at the time of publication but change regularly so please take these as a guideline until you make a firm booking. Please email enquiries@educationatsea.com.au for the correct costs on the date of enquiry.
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 2nd November 2026. The balance is non-refundable after the final payment date has passed.
Cancellation Penalties and Disclosure: Cancellation policies vary by cruise line, itinerary and length of cruise. When reserving your stateroom, please review our terms and conditions along with the cruise line terms and conditions found on our FAQ page. All deposits and seminar registration fee’s are non refundable. CPD Cruises Pty Ltd trading as Education at Sea and the Nurses for Nurses Network will not be responsible for any financial loss due to cancellation from unforeseen circumstances. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance at time of booking your cruise conference.
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