Personal and Professional Grief and Challenges:
a Nurturing retreat for Nurses
30 May – 01 June 2022 | Gold Coast Hinterlands | 15 CPD Hours
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Conference Program:
As nurses we are expected just to carry on our work or cope, irrespective of the trauma we witness every day. In our personal lives as the nurse in the family people look to us to take the lead in a family crisis and “fix it”. The time to reflect on our own sense of grief and loss is negated. We tend to swallow our feelings until we can deal with them later but sometimes later never comes.
In our undergraduate education we have very little content on how to counsel a bereaved person which often leads us to feeling stressed and inadequate in dealing with the situation. We are also not given adequate education on how to manage our own grief response to the trauma we witness.
This retreat provides you the unique experience to explore the implications of grief and trauma in both the professional and personal life of the Nurse.
We will examine two main concepts. The first being self-nurturing and healing from our own personal grief or challenging experiences. The second is your work with patients and your relationships with family and friends who have experienced trauma, bereavement, or grief – enhancing your counselling and communication techniques.
Conference Learning Outcomes:
At this retreat you will:
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Gain an understanding of the importance of self-nurturing and the development of your own stress management plan
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Explore anxiety, panic attacks and the link to adrenal fatigue
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Investigate the effects of bereavement and grief on physical and mental health
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Learn techniques to enhance your counselling skills
You will learn:
- What to say and not to say to a bereaved distressed person
- The effect of chronic work stress and the link to poor physical and mental health
- The pathology of panic attacks outlining the fight and flight response
- The signs and symptoms of a panic attack and adrenal fatigue
- The personality traits that are associated with anxiety and panic attacks
- The link between gut health and mental health
- The concept of burnout
- The effects of shift work on nurses/paramedics, mental and physical health
- About grief and bereavement and how it affects us
- How to use the ‘five minute framework’ and how to counsel family members or clients.
- Counselling tips
- How to avoid traps in challenging situations
- About prescription drugs have side effects of depressed mood
- How to utilise the science of mindfulness for your own benefit
How we will nurture you?
This unique retreat offers not just education but includes a supportive environment with caring and experienced facilitators to assist you explore these difficult topics. The group will join together to learn practical strategies on how to manage challenging situation in their personal and professional life. In addition to the conference program, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a number of activities to assist them manage stress and prevent burnout.
Each day Attendees can join the Facilitators and other attendees on one of the many beautiful, serene rainforest walks, explore different forms of meditation and unpack topics that can only be done in a supported learning environment such as this.
This Nursing Retreat has been developed by two experienced facilitators who look forward to working with you in the breath-taking natural environment of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
Although this retreat is predominantly for Nurses other health care professionals are also welcome to attend.
Who is this Conference for?
This is a conference retreat is for all Nurses irrespective of clinical specialty. The content applies to a new graduate, enrolled nurse, registered nurse through to director of Nursing. The skills you will learn at the conference will be valuable to you in a variety of challenging situations. This retreat offers not just education but includes a supportive environment with caring and experienced facilitators to assist you explore these difficult topics.
Why a retreat?
A retreat is a seminar that is designed to facilitate the ability of a group to step back from their day-to-day demands and activities for a period of concentrated discussion and exploration about specific issues.
In the past Nurses have not been offered retreats, they have not been provided with the support that other professions have. Nurses make up the largest health care professional group but their distinctive needs have been overlooked.
The need for this Nursing retreat is based on the counselling work of Anne Evans-Murray. Anne works with many Nursing clients and provides practical assistance to deal with multiple issues.
So, join us at this bespoke retreat experience as we step back from our day-to-day demands and stressors and take advantage of the supportive environment that a retreat offers.
IS THIS PART OF MY CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)?
YES, IT IS!
Under the code of conduct in Domain 7: Promote Health and Wellbeing, the value statement that we, as Nurses and Midwives are required to abide by is:
“Nurses and Midwives promote health and wellbeing for people and their families, colleagues, the broader community and themselves in a way that addresses health inequality.”
This means that the information and education provided at this retreat is perfect to meet your obligations under this domain and thus claimable as a CPD activity.
About the venue:
The retreat is being held at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat which is located in the Lamington National Park. It is 90 minutes from the Gold Coast and 2 hours from Brisbane.
The journey to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is almost as memorable as the destination. Your journey will take you through the village of Canungra and as you pass through the Canungra Valley, stop in to sample some O’Reilly’s wine and fuel up for your afternoon of hiking with a picnic at Canungra Valley Vineyards. As you begin your drive up to the Lamington Plateau, take it slow on the winding mountain road and enjoy the vistas towards the mountains in the West, you’ll understand why it is called “The Scenic Rim”.
The location allows us to hold sessions outside in the rain forest to gain the benefits that mother nature provides us in this fabulous location.
There will also be opportunities to take advantage of the day spa with time allocated on day two and three in the afternoon to take part in self-care. You will need to book these activities directly with O’Reilly’s well in advance.
“I had a hot stone massage there recently and it was just fabulous – one of the best I have ever encountered” Anne Evans – Murray
O’Reilly’s is renowned for it’s sunsets overlooking the mountains and on day one the group will be able to experience this at the complimentary Conference welcome session.
Attendees will book their accommodation directly with O’Reilly’s. There are a number of options to choose from and a special rate is available with the use of the Conference booking code.
As the roads are winding, we recommend that you stay at the accommodation including the last night of the Conference. You might choose to stay the weekend or calmly head home on Saturday morning ready to face the world again.
Our Presenters:
Anne Evans-Murray
R.N., BHlthSc, MACCCN, Grad.Dip Ed, MEd, Dip Counselling, GradCertCritCare, CertIV Training and Assessment, CertIV in Mediation
Anne has a passion for teaching which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.
Currently, she is a guest lecturer at Bond University medical school. Anne is a frequent presenter at workshops, conferences & seminars throughout Australia & New Zealand on subjects such as high dependency nursing, cardiac arrhythmias & ECG interpretation, chest x-rays interpretation, clinical assessment of the deteriorating patient, assertion training and leadership. She conducts accredited advanced life support training for nurses, doctors and paramedics.
Sue Walker
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC (PALCARE), MACN
Specialist Nurse Educator
Sue Walker is the Director and co-founder of the Nurses for Nurses Network and the Nursing CPD Institute. As a Registered Nurse Sue holds Degrees in Nursing and Health Administration, a Master’s Degree in Primary Health Care majoring in Palliative Care, 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.
Anne Evans-Murray
Anne has a passion for teaching which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.
Currently, she is a guest lecturer at Bond University medical school. Anne is a frequent presenter at workshops, conferences & seminars throughout Australia & New Zealand on subjects such as high dependency nursing, cardiac arrhythmias & ECG interpretation, chest x-rays interpretation, clinical assessment of the deteriorating patient, assertion training and leadership. She conducts accredited advanced life support training for nurses, doctors and paramedics.
Anne has a passionate commitment to empower all clinical staff through increased awareness and knowledge of the critically ill patient’s condition so that timely intervention is implemented, which will benefit patient outcomes.
She is the author of three books; “ECGs Simply”, “Interpretation of Chest X-rays Simply” and ‘Uncomplicating Life, Simply’. Her ECG book is a textbook sold in many universities in Australia.
Sue Walker
Sue Walker is the Director and co-founder of the Nurses for Nurses Network and the Nursing CPD Institute. As a Nurse Education Consultant Sue is a member of the Education Governance Committee of the Institute as well as a key contributor to the online education platform Continuing Professional Development library.
As a Registered Nurse Sue holds Degrees in Nursing and Health Administration, a Master’s Degree in Primary Health Care majoring in Palliative Care, 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.
Sue has extensive experience both as a clinician, educator, and senior manager in the acute, aged care, community, and palliative care settings. Sue is passionate about making a difference to the way in which people experience the health care system.
“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 backbone of the healthcare system, 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.”
The Program:
DAY One: Monday, 30 May 2022
1300 – 1330
Registration, welcome and afternoon tea.
1330 – 1400
Explanation of the retreat Activities | Sue Walker and Anne Evans-Murray
During this session will discuss the goals of the retreat days to come.
1400 – 1615
Anxiety, panic attacks and adrenal fatigue from constant stress | Anne Evans-Murray
Exploration of the physical and mental effects of stress and how it can affect the nurse. Discussion of how chronic work and home stress that nurses have which is linked to poor health. Exploring the link of personality traits to the exacerbation of stress, anxiety and panic attacks. Exploration of the link between gut health and mental health
1615 – 1700
Personality Profile – ABCD model | Anne Evans-Murray & Sue Walker
Analysis of the personality profile assists us to recognise our specific needs, and whether our needs have been met. This session will address the link between unmet needs and feeling stressed and unhappy.
1700 – 1800
Retreat attendee Group Get Together | Venue: The Fire Pit below the Bar
In this exclusive session for retreat attendees, we will watch the sunset with drinks as we get to know each other as a group.
Dinner this evening will be at your leisure and not included in the conference program. O’Reilly’s have some great dining options to choose from.
DAY TWO: Tuesday, 31 May 2022
0700
Optional Activity
Join the Facilitators on a pre-breakfast walk.
0830 – 0900
Meditation Practice | Sue Walker
This will be a fun activity to start the day on a positive note.
0900 – 0930
Exploration of Art and Mindfulness | Sue Walker
In this session, we will explore art therapy as a form of mindfulness and the benefits of same.
0930 – 1030
Grief and Bereavement | Anne Evans-Murray
This session will discuss grief and bereavement and how grief affects us. We will examine what we need to recover. Often a nurse is caring for others, and family members and this may hinder their own recovery from grief and eventually leads to adrenal fatigue and burnout.
1030 – 1100
Morning Tea
1100 – 1200
Grief and Bereavement continued | Anne Evans-Murray
This session will continue with further exploration of disenfranchised grief, and complex grief. It will examine the tasks the bereaved person will experience, and look at the time-frame of grief.
1200 – 1330
Counselling techniques and ‘the five minute framework’ | Anne Evans-Murray
This vital session will explore the practical techniques we can use when counselling a person. The interesting and important concept of the ‘five minute framework’ of counselling will be discussed. The presenter will further build on the needs of the bereaved, such as validation and expression to assist with healing. This is a more practical session and examples will be given on ‘what to say and what not to say’ when assisting someone either in your family or at work with grief.
1330 – 1430
Lunch
During the lunch break, we will provide you with seed mix so that you can be involved in the bird feeding activity. Lots of fun and the birds are gorgeous.
Afternoon Tea to be included in the afternoon session
1500 – 1700 (Group One)
This afternoon we split into two groups.
Group one: Group Therapy | Anne Evans-Murray & Sue Walker
In this session, we will expand on the concepts discussed in the morning activities in a small group environment.
Emotional Freedom technique and I’m ok exercise | Anne Evans-Murray & Sue Walker
Developing neural pathways that assist during a challenging situation.
Group Two: Self-directed exploration of stress management techniques
During the afternoon session, attendees in group two can take advantage of optional pre-booked spa treatments, find a serene spot to complete self-directed reading activities from the online library, and take a meditative walk to relax. Click here to check out the spa facilities>>
1700 – 1730
Optional Activity: Meditation | Sue Walker
Join the facilitators for a meditation session to wind down from the day’s activities around the Fire Pit.
1830 – 2000
OPTIONAL GOURMET BBQ
If you wish you can join the Facilitators, other attendees and your guests for a Gourmet BBQ. A great chance to mingle, network and chat with other attendees.
The cost is $92/person which includes a Gourmet BBQ with drinks including soft drinks, beer and wine. Guests are welcome to attend.
Please Note: If you would like to attend bookings are to be paid for at the time of registration. Bookings will not be accepted at the Retreat. The cost of the BBQ is not included in the registration cost.
DAY Three: Wednesday, 01 June 2022
0645
Optional Bushwalk
Optional Bush Walk with OReilly’s rangers. Meet at the entrance of the guesthouse 0645.
0900 – 1030
Lets’ explore mindfulness and meditation | Sue Walker
In this session, we will learn about the superpower of mindfulness. We will explore the concept and learn a few exercises that you will be able to practice to allow you to focus your awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
Burnout in speciality areas and ward situations | Sue Walker
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. We will explore the effects of burnout on the psychological health of health care workers and the issue of suicide in our field.
Let’s explore how to prevent burnout and if it has occurred what can we do.
1030 – 1100
Morning Tea
1100 – 1130
The effects of shift work on physical and mental health | Sue Walker
In this session the presenter will examine the effects of shift work on the physical and mental health of the nurse. There will be a short discussion on the different types of rostering and advantages and disadvantages of 10 to 12 hour shifts.
1130 – 1200
Professional Boundaries | Sue Walker
In this session, we will explore how to be professionally close but retain you’re your personal distance.
1200 – 1230
Personal Boundaries | Anne Evans-Murray
This session will explore how the nurse needs to develop personal boundaries at work and in personal life. Boundaries protect us when managing challenging situations. Drug abuse throughout the society is increasing and the presenter will explore the importance of personal boundaries when managing a family member with drug abuse. The concept of ‘enabling’ will be addressed to assist with growth and change relating to boundaries.
1230 – 1330
Lunch
1330 – 1400
Recognition of Challenging Situations that can affect mental and physical health | Anne Evans-Murray
We will explore the use of prescribed drugs that the nurse may be taking that has been linked to the development of anxiety and depression.
1400 – 1430
Developing a Personal Self-Management Plan | Anne Evans-Murray
We will finish with the main points identified in the retreat and discuss the development of a personal development plan.
Conference conclusion and goodbyes as we are splitting up into groups
Afternoon Tea to be included in the afteroon session
1500 – 1700 (Group Two)
Group TWO: Group Therapy | Anne Evans-Murray and Sue Walker
In this session we will expand on the concepts discussed in the morning activities in a small group environment.
Emotional Freedom technique and I’m ok exercise | Evans-Murray and Sue Walker
Developing neural pathways that assist during challenging situation.
Group ONE: Self-directed exploration of stress management techniques
During the afternoon session, attendees in group one can take advantage of optional pre-booked spa treatments, find a serene spot to complete self-directed reading activities from the online library, and take a meditative walk to relax. Click here to check out the spa facilities>>
1730
Optional
If you are staying the night meet us up at the café bar and watch the sunset together.
Conference Registration Cost
$790.00 inc GST
What’s Included
- An extensive Conference program based on current best practice
- Conference Presenter/s that is a recognised expert in their field and are excited to be able to share their skill, knowledge, and passion with Conference Attendees
- A Conference pack that includes a notepad, pen, and additional information to support a fantastic Conference experience
- A Conference Transcript that identifies each session held at the Conference including the session synopsis and 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
What’s not Included:
- Travel costs – flights and transfers
- Accommodation
- Optional Dinner
- Travel Insurance
- Spa Treatments
What you don’t have to worry about:
- Housework
- Cooking Meals
- The Boss