CONFERENCE SYNOPSIS:

This conference explores the social, emotional, and behavioural factors that influence patient presentations during high-pressure periods, particularly the festive season. While holidays may seem cheerful on the surface, for many patients, they trigger isolation, grief, financial stress, medication non-adherence, or escalating mental health issues.
Across 18 hours of CPD, nurses will gain practical clinical insight into these often-overlooked influences. With a strong focus on assessment, communication, critical thinking, and risk recognition, this conference prepares nurses to respond safely and compassionately to the complexity behind the presentation.

Who Should Attend?

• Registered and enrolled nurses in acute, aged care, community, and mental health settings
• Nurse practitioners and clinical leaders
• Any nurse looking to improve patient-centred care through better awareness of social and seasonal pressures

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At this Conference, participants will:

• Identify common health risks and social stressors that escalate during high-pressure periods, including social isolation, medication non-adherence, financial strain, and emotional distress, and explain how these influence patient presentation and outcomes.
• Apply clinically appropriate strategies to assess and respond to complex patient needs where psychosocial factors (e.g. grief, substance use, family conflict) impact health behaviour, safety, and continuity of care.
• Demonstrate enhanced communication skills for managing emotionally charged interactions with patients, carers, and families, including strategies for de-escalation, advocacy, and boundary-setting in high-stress environments.
• Incorporate critical thinking and sound clinical judgement when navigating competing priorities in practice, using real-world scenarios to support safe decision-making, accurate documentation, and compassionate, patient-centred care.

CPD HOURS: 18

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 commitment to ensuring the best possible care is delivered. To continue to meet professional and community expectations Nurses and Midwives need to acknowledge their unique contribution to health care delivery and assert their collective strength to safeguard the community and ensure their ongoing professional needs are recognised and met.

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. The knowledge and skill of the individual Nurse will have the greatest influence on the happiness and health outcomes of each and every client”.

JASON DAWSON

Jason is a registered nurse from the Gold Coast, Queensland. Whilst studying for his Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University, he developed an interest in mental health and has worked in this field of nursing for many years since completing his studies in 2008. During 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, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals and Teachers/Educators the opportunity to update and improve their skills in diverse and unique locations

The Cruise Ship: Carnival Encounter

Carnival Encounter sails year-round from Brisbane and is perfect for families, couples and groups of friends who want to lean into both fun and relaxation on their holiday.

Guests can expect the perfect blend between everyone’s interests with kids clubs, teen-friendly hangout spaces, an adult-only retreat, dining that ranges from casual to connoisseur, and entertainment for all ages.

Water lovers will be spoilt for choice with spas, four pools, and waterslides. Thrill seekers are covered too with Edge, complete with ziplining, rock climbing and abseiling. More of a chill seeker? You’ll love the exclusive Byron Beach Club, the Adult-Only Oasis Retreat, and the day spa and salon.

As the sun goes down, the fun only goes up. Dive into delicious dining options like Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, or celebrity-chef dining at Luke’s Bar & Grill. Be entertained with live comedy and dazzling stage shows. Or dance the night away at a classic Carnival deck party. Yep, Carnival Encounter has got it all!

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.