Welcome!
We hope you enjoy exploring the conference information below.
If you would like to secure your place or have any further questions please complete the enquiry form or contact the team from Education at Sea, our conference partners, on:
- 02 7908 7774
- [email protected]
What this Conference is about
Perioperative nursing is a dynamic and complex specialty that spans the entire surgical journey, from preoperative preparation through to intraoperative care and postoperative recovery. Nurses working in this environment must combine clinical knowledge, technical skill, communication and situational awareness to ensure safe outcomes for patients undergoing surgery and its subsequent recovery.
Perioperative care relies on highly coordinated teamwork between nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists and support staff. When these systems function well, the surgical environment operates with remarkable precision. However, production pressure, burnout, fatigue, and communication breakdowns can impact this process, and unexpected clinical events may follow with consequences for both patients and staff.
Perioperative Nursing is not commonly taught in the undergraduate curricula. Ongoing professional development is therefore essential for nurses working in perioperative services, as well as all nurses who care for surgical patients who wish to better understand the experiences and risks their patients face throughout the surgical process. It will also provide valuable learning for any nurse who cares for patients during a surgical admission including (but not limited to) nurses who work in the Operating Suite, PACU, Endoscopy Unit, Cardiac Catheter Lab, Intensive Care/Cardiothoracic Unit, Day surgery, and/or surgical wards.
This conference explores the clinical realities of perioperative practice through evidence-based discussion, case histories and coronial findings. Participants will examine the role of human factors, leadership and professionalism in surgical teams, alongside key patient safety issues including retained surgical items, venous thromboembolism, perioperative hypothermia and staff fatigue and burnout. The program will also address the recognition and management of critical perioperative emergencies such as malignant hyperthermia, anaphylaxis and cardiopulmonary arrest, providing practical insights relevant to nurses across the perioperative pathway.
Suitable for both novice and experienced nurses, this conference will strengthen understanding of perioperative care, enhance clinical awareness and reinforce the critical role perioperative nurses play in safeguarding patients during surgery.
Conference Learning Outcomes
At this conference you will:
- To feel empowered with new learnings and a rejuvenated passion for perioperative nursing!
- To explore and more deeply understand perioperative practice and how this current environment may impact nurses and adverse events,
- To provide evidence-based information about perioperative incidents from a case history perspective, and explore how we can prepare and prevent these occurrences,
- To discuss and understand the physiology and treatment of some perioperative emergency situations.
You Will Also Learn
- To appreciate the unique skills of perioperative and surgical nurses
- The impact of professionalism, or lack thereof, in the perioperative environment
- The importance of good leadership and the traits and characteristics of great leaders
- About human factors and situational awareness and how these impact perioperative outcomes
- The concept of ‘Napping on Night Duty’
- About the frequency and evidence related to Retained Surgical Items (RSI) and how to prevent this
- The frequency, causes, and prevention mechanisms of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
- The surprisingly serious outcomes from poor prevention and management of Perioperative Inadvertent Hypothermia
- About the triggers, treatments and prevention of Malignant Hyperthermia
- Diagnosis and treatment of perioperative anaphylaxis
- The challenges of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in the perioperative environment.
- Why we should use evidence-based practice
- Causes prevention and treatment of Compassion Fatigue/ Empathetic Distress Fatigue and Quiet Quitting
Not your typical Nursing CPD Conference
Our Presenter:
DR PAULA FORAN
PhD., R.N., FACORN, FACPAN
Dr Paula Foran comes from a perianaesthesia nursing background and has many publications to her credit including published nursing articles and several book chapters.
Paula has been a guest speaker and presented keynote presentations at national & international conferences. She has been awarded the ‘Most Popular Presenter’ for her keynote address at the International Collaboration of Perianaesthesia Nurses, and Best Oral Paper award at the European Operating Room Nurses conference in The Hague.
Paula completed her research PhD in 2012 and is an adjunct lecturer with the University of Tasmania. Paula currently sits on the ‘Victorian Perioperative Council’ and the Anaesthesia case review sub-committee in morbidity and mortality for the Department of Health.
She is also a sub-editor for the Journal of Perioperative Nursing and manages the column, ‘Emerging Scholars’ where Paula assists postgraduate students to see their publications come to fruition.
“The lectures given by Paula Foran were excellent – very informative and delightfully presented. Paula is clearly very passionate about patient care and has written a multitude of papers on perioperative nursing. She also has served on the ANZCA board and Coroners findings which made her experience very current and profound.”
– Renae, Keeping Afloat in Perioperative Nursing, PNG
Conference Program:
The Conference is delivered in two formats, reflecting the principles of adult learning. Live presentations take place in the Conference Room, supported by an online library that opens prior to the Conference commencement. The library is an essential component of the overall Conference program.
The library contains Conference material supplied by the presenter(s), which may include:
- Research documents
- Links to external information
- Recorded Conference presentations
The research documents and recorded presentations form part of your Continuing Professional Development activities. These materials are made available before the Conference begins, allowing you to start your learning early.
If you prefer not to complete these activities beforehand, the library remains open for two weeks following the Conference. You may also choose to engage with the library content during the Conference itself, though you will need to purchase the ship’s internet package.
Below is a snapshot of the Conference Program:
Day One:
17 May 27 | Depart Sydney
1600: We set Sail – make sure you are on deck to say bon voyage.
1800 – 1900: Conference Registration and Welcome Function
Day Two:
18 MAy 27 | Conference Day
Sessions included today:
- Asleep on the Job: Can Night Shift Napping Provide Greater Safety for Both Staff and Patients?’
- Review the Standard on Staffing and Guideline on Fatigue
- Teamwork Under Pressure: Professionalism in the Perioperative Environment Synopsis
- Leading in the workplace: Leadership in the Perioperative Environment
- Seeing the Whole Picture: Human Factors and Situational Awareness in Perioperative Practice
- When Fatigue Becomes a Safety Issue in Perioperative Care
Evening: Networking Session
Day Three:
19 May 27 | Conference Day
Session included today:
- Unintentional Retained Surgical Items
- Preventing VTE in Perioperative Patients: Bridging Guidelines and Practice
- Perioperative Hypothermia: Recognition and Clinical Consequences
- Review the ACORN standard for ‘Accountable Items’
- Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
Evening: Networking Session
Day Four:
20 May 27 | Free Day
Take this time to reflect on conference activities and explore this fabulous ship.
Evening: Networking Session
Day Five:
21 May 27 | Mystery, Vanuatu
0700 – 1500: Explore this port 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.
Evening: Networking Session
Day Six:
22 May 27 | Port Villa, Vanuatu
0800 – 1630: Explore this port at your leisure
In Port Vila, Vanuatu’s energetic capital, you’ll be greeted by friendly Bislama-speaking locals and bustling street-side markets. Discover the hidden waterfalls of the Mele Cascades, nestled in the lush rainforest of Mele village, with plenty of gently sloping hiking trails to explore.
Evening: Networking Session
Day Seven:
23 May 27 | Noumea, New Caledonia
0700 – 1400: Explore this port at your leisure.
Sunny Noumea is a vibrant mix of cultures and energy that’s hard not to love. As the capital of New Caledonia, it boasts some of the best weather in the South Pacific and a lively city vibe to match. Its rich cultural heritage comes alive in its museums, theaters, and art galleries—don’t miss the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre to dive into traditional Kanak culture. For stunning views of the island’s lush palms, hibiscus, and coconut trees, climb to the top of Noumea Cathedral.
Evening: Networking Session
Day Eight:
24 May 27 | Conference Day
Sessions included today:
- Anaphylaxis Guidelines
- Malignant Hyperthermia
- Lessons from Coronial Cases: Improving Perioperative Practice
- Case Histories from the Coronial Inquests Informing our Perioperative Practice
- Malignant Hyperthermia: Recognition and Emergency Management
- Perioperative Anaphylaxis: Recognition and Emergency Management
Evening: Networking Session
Day Nine:
25 May 27 | Conference Day
Sessions included today:
- Cardiac Arrest in the Operating Room: A Case- Based Approach
- Why Evidence Matters: Protecting Patients and Preventing Compassion Fatigue, Quiet Quitting and Empathetic Distress Syndrome
- Applying the Learning: Translating Knowledge into Practice
- Summation and Questions
- CPR guidelines for Adults
- CPR guidelines for Children
Evening: Farewell Function
Day Ten:
26 May 27 | Arrive Sydney
0630: Disembark – Safe Travels!
Inclusions
- An extensive Conference program based on current best practice
- Education content that meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian land-based program
- Conference Presenter who is excited to be able to share her skill, knowledge, and 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 and network with Conference Convenors and Conference Presenters
- A Conference pack that includes pen and lanyard (this is important on a cruise ship to attach your room key, which becomes your lifeline on a ship)
- The opportunity to meet as a group in various Conference Networking sessions, in one of the many fabulous locations on the ship
- A complimentary Farewell Function held on the last night of the Conference to celebrate new friendships and information gained
- A Conference Transcript that identifies each session held at the Conference, including the session synopsis and session presenters
- A Certificate of Completion identifying the CPD hours attached to the Conference Program for you to include in your CPD Evidence Portfolio
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), the editors, the organising committee or the supporters of this conference. No responsibility can be accepted by the organisers 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 reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.
Registration Costs
$1390.00
Please Note: Conference registration does not include accommodation or travel costs.
What are you waiting for?
This is a fabulous program – to secure your place at this Conference simply contact Education at Sea to find out about all the cabin options available.
Once you have paid your deposit, your registration is confirmed, and you can start planning your Conference getaway.
Need more info or a personalised quote?
The Nurses for Nurses Network strongly recommends customers take out travel insurance at the time of registration for an event to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may prevent them attending and thus incurring any financial loss.
The Venue:
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor has it all! Being the length of 3 football fields it holds a huge amount of fun-filled activities onboard for you to enjoy.
Refurbished in 2019, including Fun-Ship 2.0 upgrades including the Green Thunder Waterslide & Waterpark, Guy’s Burger Joint, Blue Iguana Cantina and the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar. Take time to relax, explore and have fun.
Let's talk about your accommodation
Relax in a style & smart sophistication. Our modern inside staterooms are highlighted with appointments like a TV, sitting area and more.
All you have to do is unpack and relax. Your room steward will clean and tidy your room every day all you need to do is get dressed, grab your bag and start your adventure.
Dining Options
You've got a foodie in you — everyone does! Awaken and delight yours on this cruise with delicious main dishes, tempting desserts and general yumminess everywhere you look.
There is plenty of choice but where to start? Including four new dining options - Masala Tiger, Fahrenheit 555, Pizzeria del Capitano and Seafood Shack.
Relax and unwind
Sometimes you just need to get away… from all that vacation. We know — sitting at home, it’s hard to imagine that, but trust us — it’s really, really nice to have a place to unwind from the day’s excitement.
Escape to a world designed, from the ground up, for relaxation. Cloud 9 Spa staff are masters (or, maybe more like artists) trained in the craft of simply helping you chill.
take in a stage show
Here's your chance to dip a toe into onboard entertainment, activities, bars and more… so that when you cruise, you're ready to dive headfirst into the fun.
There's stage shows, comedy bars, live music, and karaoke just to name a few of the entertainment choices you have to enjoy onboard.
How Do I dress on a cruise?
Most cruise lines offer a casual atmosphere onboard. Casual attire is the norm during the day, and there is no formal dress code at night. However, many passengers choose to change into something slightly less casual for dinner.
At least once per sailing, during which passengers are encouraged to dress up. While you rarely see tuxedos or evening gowns, suits and cocktail dresses are quite common.
Additionally, ships usually host several themed nights, such as White Parties, '70s, or '80s Night, Hawaiian or even Mexican during each sailing. It’s a good idea to bring along a few themed items.
NB: Closer to your sail date you will be able to see what the exact theme nights are being held via your cruise companies app.
faqs
Can I Bring the Family?
Because a cruise is a fabulous holiday experience, your family and friends can join you on your CPD Travel adventure.
Whilst you are attending lectures, there are many activities to keep them busy, including an exceptional kid's club program.
Talk to the Team at Education at Sea, and they can organise all your and your travelling companion's travel arrangements.
What if I need kid-free time?
If you only want to mix with adults, most ships have an adults-only area, with entry only available to people over 18.
Guests will jump for joy upon discovering this private retreat where they can connect with the ocean - and disconnect from everything else.
Can you give me some tips on Cruising?
We sure can! Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or this is your first time onboard a cruise ship, our Ultimate Guide to Cruising is sure to have some valuable tips and advice to ensure you have a fantastic time on this Travel CPD adventure.
Can you organise for me to share a room with someone?
We can't promise - but we can pop your name on a waiting list, and if another person asks the same question, we can put you in contact with each other, and you can decide if you are compatible with sharing a cabin.
Contact the fabulous people at Education at Sea on 02 7908 7774 for more information.
CPD Conference Partner
Education at Sea
Education at Sea is an Australian business founded by experienced Nurses who wanted to offer a better alternative for CPD education for their fellow Nurses.
Cruise your way
to professional development
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY
I loved many things about the trip. But one thing i did enjoy was the relaxed atmosphere and the way the presenter interacted with everybody and made the program interesting by her many stories and experiences.
Leonie
The lectures given by Paula Foran were excellent - very informative and delightfully presented. Paula is clearly very passionate about patient care and has written a multitude of papers on perioperative nursing. She also has served on the ANZCA board and Coroners findings which made her experience very current and profound.
Renae
It was informative without being boring, with interesting topics covering departmental issues with tips to improve things. The presenter [Paula] is funny but also serious and able to cover content without being too heavy.
Tina
Brilliant! Dr Foran is an inspiration to nursing. Extremely interesting and engaging. All of it was fabulous but lovely to meet Sue and Paula and make new friends. Recommend to anyone in the Periop environment. Thank you.
Meeghan
The content presented has made me reflect on my own practise and those that I work with. I am eager to make positive change in my workplace.
Susan
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