CONFERENCE SYNOPSIS:

Stress is part of working in healthcare. Burnout is not something that should be accepted as inevitable. This conference takes a practical look at how stress develops, how it presents in health care environments, and how it can be recognised and managed before it progresses to burnout.

Stress is not simply about workload. It reflects the gap between what is being asked of you and the personal and professional resources you must meet those demands. This response is shaped by psychological resources, clinical complexity, team dynamics, organisational pressures, and how situations are interpreted in the moment.

Burnout is a recognised occupational phenomenon associated with unmanaged, prolonged workplace stress. It is characterised by emotional exhaustion, detachment from work, and a reduced sense of professional effectiveness. It develops over time and is often
identifiable well before it becomes entrenched.

This conference focuses on early recognition and practical intervention. Mindfulness is explored in a clinically relevant way, not as a trend or add-on, but as a skill that supports attention, emotional regulation, and decision making under pressure. It is presented as one of several approaches that can assist clinicians to respond more effectively to ongoing demands.

Participants will work through realistic strategies that can be applied in everyday practice. This includes identifying early indicators
of escalating stress, adjusting responses in high pressure situations, and establishing emotional boundaries that support safe and
sustainable care.

The aim is not to increase tolerance of poor conditions, but to strengthen the ability to recognise risk early and respond in a way
that protects both the health care worker and the quality of care provided. By the end of the conference, participants will have a
clear understanding of stress as a process, burnout as a preventable outcome, and practical approaches to managing both within
real healthcare environments.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At 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 professions
• 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

CPD HOURS: 24

Our Presenter:

SUE WALKER
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC, MACN

Sue is the Director and Co-Founder of Nurses for Nurses (NfN), delivering national and international conferences, study tours and professional development programs for nurses and midwives.

Sue holds degrees in Nursing and Health Administration, a Master of Primary Health, and postgraduate qualifications in areas
including psychiatry of ageing, gerontology, chemotherapy administration and training and assessment. Her career has included
frontline clinical roles, senior management and education leadership, giving her a practical, end-to-end understanding of how
healthcare policy, workforce pressures and clinical realities collide at the point of care, in the community and across the system.

A sought-after presenter in Australia and internationally, Sue focuses on the issues nurses actually face at work — not just what
looks good in policy documents. Her areas of interest include leadership without titles, public and population health, professional
boundaries, workplace culture and incivility, bullying and moral distress, emergency management, aged care, mental health,
advanced life support education, and the long-term psychological impact of caring work. She is particularly passionate about
strengthening clinical judgement, professional confidence and practical strategies that protect both patient safety and workforce
sustainability.

Sue is known for education that is evidence-based, unapologetically practical and grounded in the lived experience of nursing. Her
programs move beyond surface-level wellbeing conversations to explore how organisational design, risk management and
workforce policy shape daily practice and long-term career outcomes.

At the heart of her work is a simple belief: nurses and midwives are not just the backbone of healthcare — they are critical
decision-makers whose knowledge, judgement and advocacy directly influence patient outcomes and system safety. Sue’s goal is
to ensure nurses and midwives are supported and professionally empowered to meet the growing complexity of modern healthcare
while sustaining long, fulfilling careers.

The Cruise Ship: Anthem of the Seas

The Anthem of the Seas is a state-of-the-art cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, designed to redefine what it means to travel at sea. As part of the innovative Quantum Class, it combines advanced technology with elegant design to create a truly immersive and memorable experience for guests. One of its standout features is the North Star observation capsule, which gently rises high above the ship to offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean and surrounding destinations. Alongside this, guests can enjoy thrilling activities such as skydiving simulators, surf simulators, and bumper cars, making it a perfect blend of adventure and leisure.

Onboard, the ship offers a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to sophisticated fine dining restaurants, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Entertainment is equally impressive, with Broadway-style shows, live music, and cutting-edge multimedia performances that transform the ship into a floating entertainment hub. The accommodations are thoughtfully designed, featuring modern staterooms with smart technology, comfortable furnishings, and in some cases, virtual balconies that provide real-time ocean views.

Beyond its attractions and amenities, the Anthem of the Seas provides a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere, with serene spa facilities, expansive pool decks, and quiet lounges for those seeking a more tranquil experience. Whether guests are looking for high-energy activities or peaceful moments at sea, the ship offers something for everyone. With its combination of innovation, comfort, and world-class service, it delivers an unforgettable journey that goes far beyond traditional cruising.

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: The opinions and statements of facts expressed in the Papers in these proceedings are those of the Authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Nurses for Nurses Network (NfNN), EAS, the editors, the organising committee or the supporters of this Conference. The organisers can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in the individual papers. Sessions are correct at time of publication. Sessions are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers. NFNN & EAS reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.