Personal stories of growth: Inside the ACN Emerging Nurse Leader Program

The program provided a network of emerging leaders to discuss healthcare issues and exchange ideas online. Meeting like-minded and inspiring members at the NNF last year has been invaluable; I regularly seek their guidance, debrief with them, and feel inspired by their innovative ideas. The supportive environment has instilled optimism for the future of our profession.

— Nasiba Faiz MACN

The ENL program provided me with access to expert ACN member Ms Elspeth Wood, a lecturer from James Cook University. Elspeth is an experienced RN with over 20 years’ experience in the field of nursing and nursing research. Elspeth helped me to further understand my leadership potential as a nurse educator/researcher. She provided me with insight into the professionalism of nursing and shared her experience as a RN, ANUM and nurse educator. We published an article about Coping with Graduate Nurse Transition Shock during the COVID-19 Pandemic in NurseClick. She inspired me to pursue further nursing education/research and now I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing Honors program at Deakin University. The mentoring program helped me to consolidate my career goal of becoming a nurse educator/researcher.

— Lele Xu MACN

Say yes to the opportunities. You only get out what you put in. Things may sound daunting initially, but this program can push and support you outside of your comfort zone. Before you know it, you’re reflecting on achievements you never thought were possible.

— Rebecca Chau MACN

The most valuable and practical takeaway from my Stage 1 ENL journey was it broadened my horizons by connecting me with like-minded nurse leaders in Queensland and across Australia. Also, I was able to develop my leadership qualities through publishing articles and co-organising the National Nurses Breakfast at my university.

— Jade Chen MACN

The program has allowed me to connect with so many wonderful nurses that have taught me some valuable life lessons. I have learned that anyone and everyone can be a leader in their own way, even if you don’t think that you’re a leader yet. I have also learned that everyone knows something, and no one knows everything.

— Aya Torbey MACN

Connection: in particular, through Covid-19, when communication of any type was extremely difficult, even virtually was hard while juggling shift work and Uni. But despite this and utilising Teams, Messenger and emails, I felt connected and less isolated compared to not having been in the ENL Program and having support from my peers.

— Diane Heart MACN

The most valuable takeaway by far, has been the incredible networking opportunities. Regardless of where other ENLs are located, we have found a beautiful way to connect, support and inspire one another. Lifelong friendships have been forged.

— Bronwyn Hausler MACN

I think one of the biggest things I’ve taken away from the program is to have confidence in myself, take risks, and put myself out there. This came out in stages 1 and 2 where I was supported and encouraged to cold call businesses such as Elsevier and HESTA to help with materials for open days. The nursing society was putting together welcome packs for new nursing students, and we didn’t have many funds for our own merchandise, so it was nice to giveaway ACN, HESTA, and textbook info. I had networked with some of these contacts at the NNF or via my mentor.

— Chris Hinder MACN

The most valuable takeaway has certainly been the network it has helped me to develop. The program has taught me how to network and I have been able to connect with nurses right across the country that I wouldn’t have otherwise met.

— Hayley Pollock MACN

1.Everything is a no until you try. You never know what doors to opportunities may open!
2. If you want to achieve something, keep yourself accountable. Structure is invaluable alongside shift work!
3. Mentors are game changers! The mentor-mentee relationship is so powerful for personal and professional growth.

— Caitlyn Moore MACN

The most valuable and practical takeaways from the program include networking opportunities, professional development, and support provided in both a personal and professional sense.

— Corey Sclater MACN

You get out of this program what you put in. So, taking opportunities when they arise and seeking out engagement opportunities is super beneficial, and links you up with some great people. The program has offered me guidance with my own career trajectory and has provided some really great tips and tricks for tailoring your career progress towards your goals. I wouldn’t have been able to have such insight without the guidance of my mentor in 2022 and my connections with the Disaster Health Faculty.

— Kate Ledger MACN

The importance of seeking educational opportunities and professional growth in all settings. Formal and informal. Mentorship via ACN from leaders within the nursing profession is both humbling and inspiring.

— Lyndel Echter MACN

Networking opportunities: I have met some outstanding mentors; shout out to Sonia Martin! Mentors can also offer mentees valuable networking opportunities, introducing them to other professionals in their field and helping them build their professional network.

— Paige Isley MACN

The things I have learned and the activities I have participated in throughout my time as an ENL have influenced my work life in so many ways. I think the most valuable has been that it’s given me the confidence to advocate for myself as an early career nurse.

— Hayley Pollock MACN

The leadership skills that I have developed have allowed me to take on more responsibility in my workplace, such as becoming a Team Leader of my work unit. Also, my newfound confidence has empowered me to step out of my comfort zone to initiate and implement a quality improvement project in my unit, all on my own!

— Aya Torbey MACN

My broader perspective on individual transformation led me to serve as a Culture Ambassador, fostering inclusivity at my hospital. I’ve imparted my insights and experiences at various events and orientations while providing mentorship to new colleagues. By investing in the growth and development of future nurses, I hope to contribute to the sustainability of our profession.

— Nasiba Faiz MACN

You don’t have to be in a leadership position to be a leader. Whether it’s day-to-day working in a team with other nurses on the ward or precepting a student, I lead with kindness and compassion.

— Rebecca Chau MACN

It has helped me realise that I’m not alone…. what we do on a daily basis is confronting, difficult and physically / emotionally exhausting. I now have support networks outside of my direct employment network to whom I can turn. This has given me the strength on those challenging days to “keep on keeping on”.

— Bronwyn Hausler MACN

I think the key learning that I make sure I apply to my everyday practice is the concept of leading self and that every nurse is a leader. I believe the literature supports the concept of leadership being a set of behaviours or character traits such as integrity, honesty, or professional competency. Every day when I’m working on the floor, I aim to model those behaviours that we aspire leaders to have so I can set a good example for the next cohort of graduates coming through our departments.

— Chris Hinder MACN

As an early-career nurse, the ENL program has enhanced my communication and organisational skills through the planning and delivery of events and engagement in networking. This has improved my ability to coordinate, prioritise, and delegate care needs for the people within my care and supported my collaboration within multi-disciplinary teams.

— Caitlyn Moore MACN

I have never wanted to be a clinical nurse but felt stigma and pressure through university to follow the trend. My interest lies in disease and illness prevention rather than treating the symptoms, and from this, I am beginning my career in clinical trials. The ENL program supported me in my decision making by meeting like-minded individuals and being comfortable to step away from the trends.

— Diane Heart MACN

I have tried to incorporate my learnings through various workplace engagement opportunities. For example, last year, I became an Occupational Health and Safety Representative in my clinical area and utilised the role to really advocate for staff and safe working conditions. I also joined the Wellbeing Committee for my clinical area, working together with a group of people to focus on improving staff morale, increasing engagement activities and working towards improvement of staff mental health. I was also taught to seek out opportunities, and not limit myself to the beliefs of others. As a result, I have landed a job in critical care because I put myself out there. I also aim to offer kindness, compassion and support to my colleagues, friends and family. Something this small can make the biggest difference in someone’s day and can be what separates an individual from taking that step forward to achieving their dreams.

— Kate Ledger MACN

My learnings have given me a foundational understanding of leadership. The opportunity to be mentored by inspiring nurses has grown my confidence to continue seeking educational opportunities and grown my professional capabilities.

— Lyndel Echter MACN

My learnings from the program include both theoretical and practical elements of leadership and management that allow me to thrive within my work. The networking opportunities and professional development have allowed me to develop both personally and professionally in a range of ways.

— Corey Sclater MACN

I was encouraged to develop my leadership qualities when I was a student. Now, I am giving back to my work community by sharing the ACN CPD platform with my colleagues and introducing the ENL program to nursing placement students in my ward.

— Jade Chen MACN

As a new graduate nurse, the transition shock during the pandemic could be distressing. Therefore, I researched on it and published an article about how to cope with transition shock for graduate nurses with the help of my mentor. The publication helped me and may help other nurses in similar situations better understand and cope with the challenges of transitioning from student to professional nurse. This can lead to improved patient care by reducing the stress and burnout of newly graduated registered nurses.

— Lele Xu MACN

Although I am currently on maternity leave, the ENL program significantly boosted my confidence and motivation prior to the birth of my daughter.

— Paige Isley MACN

Attending the 2022 National Nursing Forum in Darwin and being inspired by extraordinary individuals. As an ENL, we could moderate live sessions where we would support the guest speakers; create a special connection to other ENLs from around Australia; and meet high-level leaders who genuinely want to get to know you and support your growth.

— Rebecca Chau MACN

I’ve enjoyed seeing the inner workings of the Nursing in the Community Faculty and working with the exceptional Leadership Team. Being mentored by Kitty Hutchinson has been a real comfort and inspiration, with her energy and passion for nursing motivating me to do better every day. It’s been an incredible experience working alongside such dedicated individuals.

— Nasiba Faiz MACN

A highlight of my ENL journey would be finding my mentor in last year’s program, who was also working within Papua New Guinea. This allowed us to both grow and work professionally in a manner that allowed our ENL mentoring capacity to also be fostered and cultivated.

— Corey Sclater MACN

My biggest highlight so far would definitely have to be attending the National Nursing Forum (NNF) in Darwin last year. This was my first NNF and I was absolutely blown away by the amazing experiences that brought together nurses from all over Australia. It really made me feel like I was part of an important community and that I had found my tribe.

— Aya Torbey MACN

Attending the National Nursing Roadshow in Brisbane was a highlight of my ENL journey. I saw the CEO of ACN and many nurse leaders in Queensland. Also, I shared my point of view about relieving the nursing workforce shortage through delegation to Undergraduate Students in Nursing in hospitals.

— Jade Chen MACN

A big highlight was definitely meeting all the other ENL participants at the NNF in 2022 in Darwin. It was great to come together with a bunch of people who have similar interests, ambitions and drive, and to connect with individuals who share common goals. Not to mention, I was given the opportunity to present to the nursing unit management leadership group of Western Health in Melbourne last year on early career perspectives regarding leadership. That was a great opportunity, and it was nice to offer a fresh perspective to those within higher leadership roles.

— Kate Ledger MACN

I’ve really enjoyed being an active member of the Melbourne Region Leadership Team in a couple of different roles.

— Hayley Pollock MACN

I became a stage leader during stage two. I enjoyed taking a leadership role and guiding new ENLs with my experience and knowledge gained from stages one and two. I enjoyed giving back to help other emerging nurse leaders be the best version of themself by realising their dreams and goals and then going for it!

— Diane Heart MACN

By far, my biggest highlight was attending the NNF in Darwin in August of 2022. It exceeded my expectations in terms of networking, education, friendships and morale boosting. I booked my accommodation for the 2023 NNF in Adelaide before I had even flown home!

— Bronwyn Hausler MACN

Becoming part of the leadership team for the ACN Nursing in the Community Faculty.

— Lyndel Echter MACN

I find it truly inspiring to connect with like-minded individuals who motivate me every day.

— Paige Isley MACN

I think one of the highlights for me was being a part of a panel discussion for a plenary session at NNF 2018 where the ACN CEO supported me and two other ENLs as the next generation of nurses. It was something I didn’t hesitate to put my name forward for but once the preparation was underway, I became very nervous but was supported by the CEO and the ACN team through the whole process. Afterwards, it was lovely to have other delegates come up to me at the Gala Dinner and express how they found the panel discussion interesting and engaging.

— Chris Hinder MACN

I successfully completed Stage Two last year and received a High Achiever Award. Receiving the award is the highlight of my ENL journey as it recognises my achievements and serves as a source of motivation for me to continue growing as a nurse leader. It inspires me to continue making a positive impact on patient care and nursing practice.

— Lele Xu MACN

I remember feeling so nervous to attend the ACN NNF in Darwin as a Stage Two ENL. Despite this, forming relationships with ENLs and ACN members felt like catching up with long-time friends! I’ve kept in contact with so many ACN members, continuing ENLs and program alumni!

— Caitlyn Moore MACN