At the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), we pride ourselves on being a community for like-minded nurses and our Emerging Nurse Leader (ENL program) is no different.
Our ENLs have the opportunity to connect with each other, learn from the experiences of their ENL mentor and connect with the broader ACN community.
Today, the second part of our ENL profile series focuses on the sense of community participants experienced during the program, particularly during the challenging circumstances of COVID-19!
Cherylee Meanwell MACN
“IND was a great day for me as I had organised food and drinks for staff, however instead of breakfast I extended it to breakfast/lunch to engage with all staff for that day. Seeing the staff using my photo props, taking photos and the engagement throughout the day was amazing. It made me feel proud to be a part of this unit and privileged to work with a great bunch of individuals. Staff feedback was very positive for me as well. The ENL journey was changed due to COVID-19 which changed our lives and this course. I tried my best and want to thank ACN for the support (Stefanie).”
Joshua Contaoi MACN
“An ENL achievement that I am proud of is supporting my two ENL Stage 1 buddies. It was a pleasure supporting them in their final year of undergraduate nursing, providing my experience applying for graduate programs, and recounting my nursing experience in my first year of practice.”
Alexandra Kung MACN
“I am proud of my ability to be adaptable and resilient in uncertain and rapidly changing environments this year with covid-19. I drew on my network of support through the ACN to help me stay proactive and make the most out of every situation, such as undertaking a quality improvement project at work. I am proud to be a nurse!”
Prachi Javalekar MACN
“This year has been the toughest so far in my nursing journey. Challenges at multiple fronts tested my resilience, values and strength. I was privileged to be part of the wonderful ACN community and especially the ENL program which offered great support, courage and resilience to turn those challenges into growth opportunities.”
Domonique Serginson MACN
“Throughout my time as an Emerging Nurse Leader, I was fortunate enough to work with mentors, nursing buddies, colleagues, experienced nurses and friends. These extraordinary people were a source of knowledge, hard-working leaders and fostered my growth and development as a leader.”
Jakodi Miller MACN
“The ENL program offered deep insight into the person-centred foundations of nursing, where passionate people strive to advance the profession. I felt welcomed and supported as fantastic mentors encouraged me to participate in the NursingNow vision, and I formed invaluable friendships, networks and skills as my confidence grew. Thanks, so much ACN!”
Shannon Narracott MACN
“Working with others from across the government, not for profit, corporate and health sectors on my primary ENL project ‘Resilience in Emergency Teams’ I grew a lot, both personally and professionally. Then being a member of the ACT Nursing Team of 2020 in the International Year of the Nurse & Midwife was an unexpected honour. However, the highlight of ENL, has been learning during COVID-19 that resilience comes from staying firmly TOGETHER with our colleagues, patients, families and friends as we face and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Liam Jackson MACN
“I would be lying if I said 2020 hasn’t been a hard year – Covid-19 made sure of that. But my ACN tribe, my fellow ENLs and my many mentors and supporters from the college made sure I was not alone or helpless. We stayed connected, whether it was, face 2 face, via teleconference or even by a simple email. Thank you to everyone for caring and staying connected!”
Kathryn Anderson MACN
“In a time of uncertainty in nursing, us coming together as a professional community in ACN and the ENL program has made a profound difference to my experience of 2020. I am particularly happy to be the current Communication Coordinator my Region to continue to bring this sense of togetherness to my colleagues as I develop my leadership skills in this role. I am grateful for the support that I have received from the ACN network and thank them for all their hard work.”
Would you like to learn more about the ENL program? Head to our website to find out more and to register your interest for future intakes.
