Beyond Burnout: Empowerment Strategies for Nurses and Health Professionals

8 Night South Pacific Cruise

Voyager Of The Seas | Departing Brisbane

13 March – 21 March 2026
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Discover resilience, find balance, and reclaim your passion.

Outline
CONFERENCE SYNOPSIS:

Stress and burnout aren’t just buzzwords for healthcare workers — they’re real challenges that impact every aspect of life. This conference dives into these pressing issues, helping you understand what stress and burnout really mean and how to manage them in a way that works for you.

Stress isn’t something you either “have” or “don’t have.” It’s a process — a response to the gap between what’s being asked of you and what you feel equipped to handle. How stress affects you often depends on how you see the situation in front of you.

Burnout, on the other hand, is a more chronic form of stress that creeps in when work demands become relentless. First defined in the 1970s, burnout has three main components: emotional exhaustion, a growing sense of cynicism or detachment, and feeling like you’re not as effective or accomplished as you used to be.

That’s where mindfulness comes in. But let’s clear something up — mindfulness isn’t just a trendy tool for dealing with tough situations. It’s a way to create a healthier, more balanced connection with yourself and the world around you. It’s not about “fixing” stress; it’s about building a new way of living and seeing life.

This conference goes beyond surface-level advice. Through a hands-on mindfulness workshop, you’ll explore what mindfulness really is, why it works, and how it can strengthen your emotional well-being. You’ll learn practical strategies to manage stress and burnout while finding ways to thrive personally and professionally.

Unlike typical programs, this training helps you uncover the science behind mindfulness and its transformative power. You’ll walk away with tools and insights to not only survive but truly flourish—both in your career and in your life.

This isn’t just a conference — it’s a chance to reset, recharge, and rediscover what’s possible for you.

CPD HOURS: 24

LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this conference you will:

  • Explore what stress is and strategies to manage same
  • Discuss why workplace stress can lead to burnout
  • Review the consequences of burnout to the individual and the organisation
  • Undertake a mindfulness workshop that will provide strategies to assist manage stress
YOU WILL ALSO LEARN
  • What empowerment is and strategies to achieve same in your personal and professional life
  • The impact of shiftwork on health
  • What stress is and its impact on the individual
  • Burnout and the consequences for an individual on their personal and professional life
  • How what we think impacts how we feel which leads to how we behave
  • The issue of suicide in the health profession
  • Key strategies to assist a suicidal person
  • The importance of sleep and how to achieve same in a 24-hour roster environment
  • The latest research on gut health and mental health
  • One deep dive into a specific element of mindfulness per session
  • Integrating information and practice with scientific evidence and insights
  • Detailed explanations covering the reasons for certain practices
  • Small practices that aim to increase the integration of mindfulness into daily life
  • Examining mindfulness in the broader context of life and how we perceive things
  • Understanding the foundation of processes that mindfulness rest upon

Our Presenters:
SUE WALKER
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC (PALCARE), MACN

Sue is the director and co-founder of the Nurses for Nurses Network. Sue is a key contributor to the online education platform Nursing CPD – a Continuing Professional Development library.
As a Registered Nurse, Sue holds Degrees in both Nursing and Health Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Health, as well as a number of certificate courses in Psychiatry of Ageing, Gerontology, Chemotherapy Administration, Training and Assessment, and is also an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Trainer, Mindfulness Practitioner, and Clinical Supervisor.

Sue has extensive experience both as a clinician, educator, and senior manager. She has presented at local and international conferences on many topics including the key issues impacting on the psychological impact of the work that Nurses do and how the work requirements to deliver healthcare impact on the health of the clinician.

Sue is passionate about making a difference to the way in which people experience the health care system.

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and work in difficult environments that can take advantage of their caring nature and commitment to ensuring the best possible care is delivered. Our health care system relies on Nurses to work extra shifts, longer shifts, double shifts. It relies on Nurses and Midwives willingly changing their plans to meet the needs of the organisation to the detriment of the Nurses and Midwives own personal lives and relationships.

“Healthcare should be delivered by competent, knowledgeable individuals to ensure the best possible experience for the recipient of that care. Nursing is a fabulous profession. It is the knowledge and skill of the individual Nurse that will have the greatest influence on the happiness and health outcomes of each and every client.” To continue to meet this professional and community expectation our healthcare system needs to stop relying on Nurses and Midwives to rescue it and Nurses and Midwives need to acknowledge their unique contribution and assert their professional needs to ensure reasonable workloads and conditions that are enjoyed by other professions.


The Cruise Ship: Anthem of the Seas

Check off your bucket list for good onboard the award-winning, Anthem of the Seas®. From 360-degree views in the North Star® observation capsule to simulated skydiving on RipCord® by iFLY® and the only bumper cars at sea, this memory maxing ship is your ticket to next-level experiences and once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

If you’re looking to treat your tastebuds, Anthem of the Seas® is home to one of the best food scenes at sea. Savor flavors from Japan, Italy, and beyond — or go all out with an exclusive multi-course tasting menu at Chef’s Table.

Save some energy for the evening, because this ship offers just as many ways to keep the vacation vibes going strong after dark. Raise a glass to a day well-spent at a variety of bars and lounges, or take in showstopping spectaculars at the Main Theater and Two70®.


The Program:

The program content is provided by expert Nurse 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: 13th March 2026
Departure: Brisbane, 4pm

Make sure you are up on deck to be a part of the “setting sail” festivities as we say farewell to Sydney.

Evening: Enjoy this opportunity to mingle with the other attendees at the complimentary drinks and Conference Registration function.

Day 2: 14th March 2026
At Sea

Morning: Self-directed activities

  • Article: The Impact of Shift Work on Sleep, Alertness and Performance in Healthcare Workers
  • Article: Sleep loss and circadian disruption in shift work: health burden and management
  • Article: Nurses’ job stress and its impact

Afternoon: 1pm to 5.30pm

Todays sessions include:

  • Welcome and explanation of the program
  • Zero F*s Left: A Bold Approach to Nurse Wellness
  • Understanding Stress
  • Burnout and the Impact on the Individual

6pm – 7pm: Optional Social Get Together – a bit of fun and get to know each other. Each night conference Facilitators and Presenters will be at the venue and would love to meet with you.

Day 3: 15th March 2026
At Sea

Morning: 8.30am to 1pm

Todays sessions include:

  • The Impact of Shiftwork on Health
  • The Importance of Sleep
  • Emotional Health and Suicide
  • Your Belief System

Afternoon: Self-directed activities

  • Webinar: The concept of Incivility
  • Webinar: A Little Book of Manners in Health Care: How to curb your inner psychopath, prevent incivility, lead with kindness, and enjoy your work

6pm – 7pm: Optional Social Get Together

Day 4: 16th March 2026
Mystery Island

Explore at your Leisure:

This hidden gem in Vanuatu is exclusively accessible to cruise passengers, offering a truly unique getaway experience. Though it
doesn’t have any permanent residents, Mystery Island offers a wealth of shore excursions. With stunning beaches, crystal-clear
waters, and some of the best snorkelling spots in the region, a Vanuatu cruise to the South Pacific islands is an absolute must for
any traveller.

6pm – 7pm: Optional Social Get Together

Day 5: 17th March 2026
Noumea, New Caledonia

Explore at your 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 – 7pm: Optional Social Get Together

Day 6: 18th March 2026
Port Vila, Vanuatu

OPTIONAL TOUR:

Join us on an unforgettable journey in Port Vila, Vanuatu! Our tour will take you to some of the most exciting and picturesque locations in the region.

First, we’ll visit the Vila Central Hospital and learn about healthcare in the South Pacific. You’ll have a unique opportunity to network with our nursing colleagues from Vanuatu and gain insights into their work.

Next, we’ll head to the Blue Lagoon. The gorgeous Blue Lagoon is a must see for visitors to Port Vila, so get your cameras ready for some stunning photos. The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming and relaxing, so don’t forget your swimwear!

We will enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch, savoring the flavors of locally sourced food.

Vanuatu is known for having some of the cheapest duty free shopping in the region. We allow enough time to ensure you head home with a bargain!

Day 7: 19th March 2026
At Sea

 

Morning: Self-directed activities

  • Webinar: Gut Health
  • Webinar: Codes and Standards of Practice

Afternoon: 12.30pm to 5pm

Todays sessions include:

  • Reflection on the Self-directed Activity: A Little Book of Manners in Health Care
  • Neuroplasticity and Burnout: Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience
  • Permission to Pause: The Art of Saying No and Setting Boundaries
  • Assertiveness the Key to Professional and Personal Growth

6pm – 7pm: Optional Social Get Together

Day 8: 20th March 2026
At Sea

Morning: 8am to 1pm

Todays sessions include:

  • Let’s explore the Practice of Mindfulness
  • Emotional Resilience Through Mindfulness: Managing Difficult Emotions
  • Practical Mindfulness Techniques: Tools for Stress Relief and Connection”
  • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Managing Stress and Burnout

Afternoon: Self-directed activities

  • Webinar: How to Maintain Habits – Building Consistency for Lasting Change
  • Audio: Self-guided Meditation

6pm – 7pm: Farewell Function

Day 9: 21st March 2026
Brisbane

Disembark – Safe travels!

For information relating to cabin pricing, bookings and travel requirements such as travel insurance please complete the booking enquiry box or email travel@traveldirectaustralia.com.au

Itinerary Disclosure: Cruise Itinerary, Seminar topics and Seminar Education program are subject to change without notice.

Presenter Disclosure: Education at Sea, Children’s Nursing Queensland 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.

Optional Tours

Vanuatu: Port Vila

Join us on an unforgettable journey in Port Vila, Vanuatu! Our tour will take you to some of the most exciting and picturesque locations in the region.

First, we’ll visit the Vila Central Hospital and learn about healthcare in the South Pacific. You’ll have a unique opportunity to network with our nursing colleagues from Vanuatu and gain insights into their work.

Next, we’ll head to the Blue Lagoon. The gorgeous Blue Lagoon is a must see for visitors to Port Vila, so get your cameras ready for some stunning photos. The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming and relaxing, so don’t forget your swimwear!

We will enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch, savoring the flavors of locally sourced food.

Vanuatu is known for having some of the cheapest duty free shopping in the region. We allow enough time to ensure you head home with a bargain!

Tour Price: $170

* Please note proceeds from this tour will go Vila Central Hospital as a donation on behalf of the group


Education at Sea tours are exclusive to seminar delegates and their guests. Tour participation numbers are limited. Tours are booked through Travel Direct and will not appear on your ship itinerary.

Optional Shore Tour Disclosure:
Optional tours are exclusive to conference delegates and their guests. All tour bookings must be paid in full by the nominated date prior to departure. CPD Cruises Pty Ltd trading as Education at Sea reserves the right to cancel or make changes to optional tours without notice. Tour prices are subject to change without notice. In the event the cruise ship is unable to dock or tender at the nominated port we will attempt to offer alternative tour arrangements. However, we can not guarantee full refund of tour costs. We recommend all attendees and their guests obtain travel insurance at the time of booking.

Pricing
Cabin Selection Twin Share per person
Interior from $1859 per person twin share 
Ocean View Cabin from $2029 per person twin share  
Balcony Cabin  from $2149 per person twin share 
Single Occupancy Studio Interior Cabin  from $3318         
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 her 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, 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 21st November 2025. Once the final balance is received, any cancellation terms are subject to the amount of notice you give Royal Caribbean International. Their cancellation terms and conditions can be found here. Any cancellation request made after the final payment date will be subject to an administration fee of $100 per person.

Cancellation Penalties and Disclosure: Cancellation policies vary by cruise line, itinerary and length of cruise. When reserving your stateroom, please review the policy applicable to this cruise with our staff. 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.

Booking Enquiry

Register your interest in this CPD cruise today Please complete the form in this section to express your interest. We will revert within 48 hours with pricing and other details after confirming cabin availability with our cruise line partners.

General Enquiry

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