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
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.
Conference 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
Not your typical Nursing CPD Conference
Our Presenter:
Sue Walker
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC, MACN, Specialist Nurse Educator
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. She is also a key contributor to Nursing CPD, an online education platform supporting nurses to meet NMBA Continuing Professional Development requirements through accessible, evidence-based learning that is firmly grounded in real-world practice.
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.
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:
05 Mar 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:
06 MAR 27 | Conference Day
Sessions included today:
- When Fatigue Becomes the Norm: Shift Work, Stress, and the Cost to Care
- Welcome and explanation of the program
- Psychological Wellbeing
- Understanding Stress
- Burnout and the Impact on the Individual
Evening: Networking Session
Day Three:
07 Mar 27 | Conference Day
Session included today:
- The Impact of Shiftwork on Health
- The Importance of Sleep
- Emotional Health and Suicide
- Your Belief System
- The Concept of Incivility
- A Little Book of Manners in Health Care
Evening: Networking Session
Day Four:
08 Mar 27 | Free Day
Take this time to reflect on conference activities and explore this fabulous ship.
Evening: Networking Session
Day Five:
09 Mar 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 Six:
10 Mar 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:
11 Mar 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 Eight:
12 Mar 27 | Conference Day
Sessions included today:
- Gut Health
- Codes and Standards of Practice
- A Little Book of Manners in Health Care
- Neuroplasticity and Burnout: Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience
- Permission to Pause: The Art of Saying No and Setting Boundaries
- Assertiveness the Key to Professional and Personal Growth
Evening: Networking Session
Day Nine:
13 Mar 27 | Conference Day
Sessions included today:
- Let’s explore the Practice of Mindfulness
- Emotional Resilience Through Mindfulness: Managing Difficult Emotions
- Practical Mindfulness Techniques: Tools for Stress Relief and Connection
- Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Managing Stress and Burnout
- Mindfulness in Motion: Practical Techniques for Work and Life
- Mindfulness Techniques
Evening: Farewell Function
Day Ten:
14 Mar 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
Registration Costs
$1390.00
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 Venue:
Anthem of the seas
Cruising on the Anthem of the Seas is an excellent experience for those looking for a unique and high-tech cruise experience with plenty of amenities, dining options, and entertainment.
You will love the innovative amenities, high-tech features, dining options and the array of entertainment options available.
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 – Windjammer Café, The Coast Kitchen, Café Promenade, Johnny Rocket’s and Jamie’s just to name a few.
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. Vitality℠ 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?
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.
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
to professional development
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY
Sue has a fantastic presentation style, using language that we could all understand and also using real-world scenarios to underpin the concepts being taught.
Helen
The conference topics were very relevant and interesting. The presenter, Sue who was running the sessions was awesome. She was professional and interesting to listen too involving the audience. It was great to mix pleasure with learning and not to feel the pressure of attending a conference.
Margaret
Sue was very confident, knowledgable, approachable and engaging. It was empowering to be able to glean relevant information to go on and feel confident in assisting mental health sufferers.
Tracy
I always enjoy Sue Walkers presentations. She is very fabulous at including everyone. I always enjoy Nursing CPD presentations. I’ve been attending since 2011 and have never been disappointed. I look forward to my next adventure in learning and travelling.
Donna
Sue was excellent at delivering the contents across to the participants, she was engaging and encouraging it made time pass much to fast yet managed to incorporate all she wanted to deliver and encourage us to participate in I will be looking forward to my next conference with sue as a lecturer.
Catherine
Use coupon code NCPDREF to get a 20% discount.
PHONE: 07 4151 3884 (select option 3)
EMAIL: [email protected]
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