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

All delegates are required to attend the conference registration session in order to collect their study pack & confirm registration details to ensure the correct issuing of their CPD certificate.

Morning session 1: The History of Nursing

The history of nursing is a rich and complex narrative that spans centuries and is deeply intertwined with the development of
healthcare systems, social changes, and the evolving role of women in society. Here’s a brief overview of key milestones in the history
of nursing that we will cover in our conference session today.

Nursing has ancient roots, with evidence of organized care provided by nurses dating back to civilizations such as the Egyptians,
Greeks, and Romans.

In ancient Greece, the goddess Hygieia was associated with health, hygiene, and healing, and temples dedicated to her often served
as early healthcare facilities. 

During the Middle Ages, nursing care was often provided by religious orders and monasteries.

In the 19th Century , notable figures like Florence Nightingale, often referred to as the founder of modern nursing, made significant
contributions. She emphasized hygiene, sanitation, and systematic training for nurses.

Florence Nightingale’s work during the Crimean War in the 1850s marked a turning point in nursing history. Her emphasis on cleanliness and evidence-based practice revolutionized nursing care. The establishment of the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London in 1860 marked the beginning of formal nursing education.

The early 20th century saw the professionalization of nursing, with the introduction of standardized nursing curricula and licensure requirements.
World War I and World War II created a significant demand for nurses and further advanced the role of nurses in military and civilian healthcare.

The post-war era witnessed the growth of nursing specialization and the development of advanced practice roles. Nursing organisations, such as the Royal College of Nursing the forerunner of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), played a crucial role in advocating for nurses’ rights and professional standards.

Nursing continues to evolve, with a focus on evidence-based practice, patient-centred care, and technological advancements in healthcare.
Today, nurses work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, home healthcare, research institutions, and schools, and they play a vital role in healthcare delivery.

The history of nursing reflects not only the evolution of healthcare but also the changing roles and status of nurses in society. It is a dynamic field that continues to adapt to the ever-changing needs of patients and the healthcare industry.

Morning session 2: War and Unpeace | Colleen Reid

There are global wars and there are everyday wars. There are wars, which nurses may or may not, seek to participate in. It is my contention that each and every one of these wars leaves an indelible vestige of trauma which becomes part of each nurse’s narrative, and which, in turn, affects interactions within professional and personal lives.

Changing attitudes over the past 100 years in our broader society have led to changes in the way we view war, unpeace and trauma. In the words of the poet Rumi:

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” Nurses, we need to talk!

Morning session 3: Nurses at war and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Dr. Wendy McIntosh

Using the words of nurses who have served during war this session explores the impact of war and the legacy of PTSD for our colleagues.

Whether serving as nurses in civil wars (American Civil War – nurse and poet Walt Whitlam), or World Wars (nurse and poet Eva Dobell WW1) Vietnam War (nurse and poet Kathie Swazuk) – the writings of colleagues who walked before us speak of the unspeakable truths. Nurses were told post wars that they could not possible experience what we now term PTSD because they were
not in combat and were healers.

Some colleagues found the power of poetry to express the inexpressible.

As this session progresses questions will be posed such as in what ways has the legacy of PTSD influenced and impacted on contemporary nursing?

Is workplace bullying a long term symptom from the silence of not being able to tell ones story through the decades?

Afternoon: Museum visit

Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing, was one of our greatest Victorians and a female icon in her own lifetime. She is still an inspiration to nurses around the globe.

We will visit the museum to celebrate the life of this revolutionary woman; discover all about her affluent childhood, how she fought against her parents’ wishes to become a nurse, her work during the Crimean War and how she campaigned for better healthcare for ordinary people.

Topkapi Palace stands as an enduring testament to Istanbul’s rich history, serving as the former residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries. Explore the opulent chambers, glimpse ancient relics from the Sultanate era, and delve into the culture and heritage enshrined within its walls.

Our journey continues to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a marvel of architectural prowess with a storied past that includes its use as a mosque during the Ottoman era. A brief stroll will lead us to the Hippodrome, once the vibrant epicentre of entertainment, sports, and politics in the city during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Here, you’ll marvel at the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the elegant Wilhelm II Fountain.

Following a delightful lunch break, our next destination is the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture designed by Mehmet, renowned for its awe-inspiring interior adorned with exquisite blue Iznik tiles.

Our final stop takes us to the Grand Bazaar, a historic gem and the world’s largest covered market, boasting a labyrinthine network of
nearly 4,000 shops teeming with treasures such as carpets, jewellery, leather goods, and captivating souvenirs.

Morning: Join us on a tour of a local hospital where we will visit the facility with our Nursing Collogues and discuss the delivery of nursing services reviewing the similarities and differences – this is an opportunity to learn from each other.

Evening: 1001 Turkish Night Dinner Show (Includes Dinner).

Treat yourself to a night of traditional Turkish delight, featuring a captivating costume show, mesmerizing belly dancing, and enchanting Turkish folklore performances. The grand finale? An extraordinary international guest vocalist performance that will leave you spellbound.

Day 5: Friday 4th October 2024    Çanakkale

Morning: Transfer to Çanakkale

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Gallipoli. While en route from Istanbul to our hotel in Çanakkale, we will visit the coves along the Gallipoli shores (ANZAC Cove, Arıburnu, Kumsal), the Respect to Mehmetçik Statue, and the Memorial Cemeteries (including the Lone Pine Australia monument, the 57th Regiment Turkish monument, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand monument).

Afternoon: WW1 Nursing Presentation

During the First World War, more than 3,000 Australian civilian nurses volunteered for active duty. The Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) was established in July 1903 as a part of the Australian Army Medical Corps. Throughout the war, over 2,000 AANS members served overseas, alongside Australian nurses affiliated with other organizations such as the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS), the Red Cross, or privately sponsored facilities.

From the moment of the Gallipoli landings on April 25, 1915, nurses cared for numerous casualties aboard hospital and transport ships anchored off the shore. The wounded arrived continuously, day and night. Some could barely walk, while others were carried on stretchers, often shivering or unconscious due to blood loss. Medical supplies were in short supply, and there was a desperate shortage of fresh water. Despite the constant threat of Turkish shelling or torpedoes, the exhausted nurses diligently cleaned, bandaged, warmed, and provided comfort to their patients, many of whom had severe wounds or suffered from gangrene and disease.

Over the following nine months, soldiers were transported to hospitals on the nearby Greek islands of Imbros and Lemnos or transferred to Malta, Egypt, and Britain. The lower-deck wards were overcrowded, and poorly ventilated, and even simple nursing tasks became challenging due to the ship’s movements. Seasickness affected both nurses and patients.

This afternoon we will discuss the skill, courage, and experiences of our Nursing Colleagues that signed up to work in the military hospitals. We will share their stories and discuss the impact of their work on the history of Nursing.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the Troy Ancient Site.

Troy, a city that was once believed to be a myth, dates back over 4000 years. Discovered in the 19th century, it is referred to as “Truva” in Turkish and holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the ruins might not be as awe-inspiring as anticipated, they are certainly worth exploring if you’re familiar with the legends of the Trojan War or Homer’s Iliad.  

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a drive to Kusadası. Along the way, there’s an opportunity to visit the Acropolis of Pergamon using a cable car. Pergamon, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, has endured numerous invasions and destruction throughout its history. However, due to its strategic location, it has remained inhabited, making it a settlement that has never faded from the pages of history. Traces of settlement dating back to prehistoric times can be found in the Bakırçay basin, the area where the ancient city of Pergamon was established.

The hill where Pergamon was founded holds evidence of habitation during the 7th-6th and 5th centuries BC. The name “Pergamon” is derived from “Perg” or “Berg,” which means “fortress” or “fortified position.”In 283 BC, Philetairos established the Pergamon kingdom, which thrived as a significant regional power for 150 years, making notable contributions in politics, economy, and culture.

Morning: Turkish Nurses Earthquake experience presentation

Severe damage was experienced in 10 provinces in Turkey, and the north of Syria, with the earthquakes that hit Kahramanmaraş at midnight and afternoon on February 6, 2023.

Learn about the courage and the dedication of health professionals in those areas where they did the best they could in circumstances, that for the vast majority of us, we just cannot imagine.

“Their own loss and their own grief, as well as trying to deliver care and just trying to deliver health support in the circumstances where infrastructures have been wiped out, where some of the hospitals have collapsed, where they haven’t got supplies, and where the temperature is dropping below minus and there’s snow on the ground.” QUOTE, Howard Catton – The chief executive of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). Source: Nursing Times.

Afternoon:

We will embark on a journey to the Ephesus Ancient City. Ephesus stands as one of the most extensive archaeological excavations globally, and our exploration will encompass remarkable sites. During our visit, we’ll take in the Odeon, The Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastica, as well as the temples dedicated to Hadrian and Domitian. The Library of Celsius, an awe-inspiring structure, will also be part of our itinerary.

Following this, our attention will turn to The Grand Theatre, the very place where Saint Paul delivered his sermons. Notably, this theatre held the title of the largest in Asia Minor during ancient times, accommodating up to 24,000 spectators. Our walk through the Ephesus ruins will span approximately 2 hours. A refreshment break at carpet waving village before returning back to the hotel .  

Morning:

Join us on a tour of a local hospital where we will visit the facility with our Nursing Collogues and discuss the delivery of nursing services reviewing the similarities and differences – this is an opportunity to learn from each other.

Afternoon:

Enjoy this afternoon at your own leisure.

Morning: Transfer to Pamukkale

Today we drive to Pamukkale that has the meaning of the Cotton Castle in English. It was once known as Hierapolis, famous for healing thermal/ mineral Baths and beautiful snow-white “petrified waterfalls”.

We will see Salt Lake & Hierapolis, including the magnificently preserved Necropolis, the main Street and Gates, the thermal Baths, the devil’s hole, and Masterpiece Theater.

Pamukkale terraces are made of travertine, a sedimentary rock deposited by water from the hot springs. In this area, there are 17 hot water springs in which the temperature ranges from 35 °C to 100 °C. The water that emerges from the spring is transported 320 meters (1,050 ft.) to the head of the travertine terraces and deposits calcium carbonate on a section 60 to 70 meters long covering an expanse of 240 meters to 300 meters. Following return to hotel.

Morning: Transfer to airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

Evening: Enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner cruise on the Bosporus.