Congratulations to Libin Jose for being awarded the NNF scholarship from ANTS. Libin writes….
I am sincerely grateful to the Australian Nurse Teachers Society (ANTS) for providing me with the opportunity to attend the Australian College of Nursing National Nursing Forum 2026 in Melbourne from 5-8th August
2026 . Receiving the registration ticket through ANTS enabled me to participate in this valuable national forum where nursing leaders, educators, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers came together to reflect on the future of the profession in Australia.
The theme, “The Power of Nurses in a Changing World,” strongly resonated with me throughout the conference. It was a timely reminder that nurses are not only adapting to change but are actively shaping the direction of healthcare through leadership, education, research, advocacy, innovation, and compassionate care.
One of the key messages I took from the forum was the importance of enabling nurses to practise to their full scope, with the introduction of Nurse prescribing in Australia. A statement from one presentation stayed with me: “The best day of the week is the day I’m coming to work.” This captured what is possible when nurses feel trusted, supported, and empowered in their roles. When nurses are enabled to use their full knowledge, skills, and experience, patients, health services, communities, and the profession all benefit.
Another major reflection for me was around nursing workforce sustainability. The discussions on the National Nursing Workforce Strategy reinforced that the future nursing workforce will not be shaped by recruitment alone, but by what happens after nurses enter the profession. This strongly connected with my own research interest in supporting New Starter Registered Nurses in regional and rural Australia.
A personal highlight was presenting our research poster, “Navigating the
Transition: Supporting New Starter Registered Nurses in Regional and Rural Australia.” The opportunity to share this work, engage in meaningful conversations, and hear different perspectives from colleagues across Australia was both encouraging and inspiring. (I have attached the poster for you for a cleaner version if needed).
The forum also challenged me to think more deeply about equity, inclusion, and culturally safe care. The message that equality alone is not always enough was powerful. As nurse educators, we have a responsibility to prepare future nurses to recognise inequities, advocate for change, and deliver care that is person-centred, culturally safe, and responsive to community needs.
I left the forum feeling energised, motivated, and deeply appreciative of the opportunity provided by ANTS. The experience reaffirmed my commitment to nursing education, workforce development, research, and leadership.
My sincere thanks to the Australian Nurse Teachers Society for supporting my attendance and for continuing to invest in the professional growth of nurse educators. Opportunities like this strengthen not only individual practice but also the broader nursing education community.