The National Nursing Forum (NNF), proudly supported by our Principal Partner, HESTA, and the Queensland Government, is a must-attend event for all nurses eager to expand their horizons, advance their careers, and connect with like-minded colleagues. Held in sunny Cairns from 14 to 16 August 2024, this year’s theme is Regenerate, Reinvigorate, Reclaim – Sustainable solutions for our future. Over three days, delegates will explore innovative ideas and sustainable practices to shape the future of nursing. Attending the NNF will expose you to some of the brightest minds in nursing and health care, leaving you inspired, informed, and ready to make a difference.
If you’re not sure what to expect, here are five tangible takeaways you will gain from your NNF experience:
Be inspired by renowned leaders
Gain inspiration from high-calibre national and international keynotes featuring esteemed leaders in nursing policy, academia, rural health, senior advisory roles, healthcare management, Indigenous health, government health policy, clinical services, child protection, and military health. Their diverse expertise promises invaluable insights and inspiration.
- Professor Dame Anne Marie Rafferty FACN (Hon) – Professor of Nursing Policy and former Dean of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and Palliative Care at King’s College London
- Professor Alison McMillan MACN – Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
- Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan FACN – Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner
- Professor Brendan McCormack MACN – Head of The Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery (inc. Sydney Nursing School) and Dean Faculty of Medicine and Health
- Frances Rice MACN – Senior Nursing and Midwifery Advisor to the Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
- Associate Professor Bernadette Eather FACN – Chief Nurse and Clinical Services Director at Ramsay Health Care
- Sarah Brown – CEO of Purple House
- Rheannwynn Sneesby MACN – Child Protection CNC – Sydney Local Health District, ACN National Chair Children and Young People Faculty
- Adjunct Associate Professor Sonia Martin MACN – Executive Director and Founder One Bridge, ACN National Chair Street Health Faculty
- Nathan Saunders FACN – Nurse Leader and Health Manager Royal Australian Navy, ACN National Chair Military Faculty
- Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston – Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing
Explore groundbreaking ideas and research
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge ideas and research through our plenary sessions, which cover a broad range of specialties, settings, and topical issues, such as culturally-safe practices, aged care, and digital health. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage directly with poster presenters, allowing you to discuss novel findings and gain deeper insights into their work.
Presentations on the agenda include:
- Advancing the national implementation of designated Registered Nurse prescribing
- Simulation: Transforming outlier patient care with clinical and non-clinical professionals
- Lost in transition: Development of a Transition to Practice conceptual framework
- Remote expert consultation: An exemplar of a nurse-led innovation
- Nurse-led clinical trial integration: Promoting equitable healthcare access
- Robotics and the future of nursing and midwifery
Stay tuned for the release of the full program – it’s packed with thought-provoking sessions you won’t want to miss!
Make professional connections
Connect with peers from around the country, including some of nursing’s most experienced and high-profile leaders, through a variety of networking functions. Share ideas, experiences, and best practices in a supportive and stimulating environment. The social highlight of the event is the glamorous gala dinner—an opportunity to get frocked up, let your hair down, and enjoy an evening of fine food and dancing. This event offers a unique backdrop to forge lasting professional relationships and expand your network in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
Explore career development pathways
Engage with a diverse range of exhibitors, including education providers and leading employers, to explore career development opportunities face-to-face. Discover new pathways, gain valuable insights, and discuss potential career advancements directly with industry experts. This is your chance to build relationships with organisations that can support your professional growth and help you achieve your career goals. Among the exhibitors you can connect with are the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, University of Wollongong, ADF Careers, Healthscope, University of Tasmania, and Serco Australia.
Celebrate innovation in nursing
Witness the historic moment when the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Health Minister’s Award for Nursing Trailblazers is announced. Discover the innovative ways the finalists are revolutionising health and aged care, and join in celebrating the recognition of nurses for their groundbreaking visions and leadership. Some of the exceptional past winners have been recognised for creating solutions to needle phobia, distributing surplus medical supplies to countries in need, and providing care to people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Australia.
Get excited for the event by exploring the remarkable achievements of past winners and finalists.
Register now for the National Nursing Forum and immerse yourself in three days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. Join us in Cairns to connect with esteemed professionals, gain invaluable insights, and explore sustainable solutions for the future of nursing. Leave feeling empowered and ready to make a lasting impact in health care. Secure your spot today and be part of a transformative experience that will redefine your professional journey.
