In exceptionally difficult circumstances, our Emerging Nurse Leaders (ENLs) have continued to grow on a personal and professional level. We are so proud of each of them for the resillence and determination they have showed throughout the year.
Our third article sharing the experiences of our 2020 cohort focuses on the development of participants across the course of the program and how they have navigated challenges to further develop their leadership potential. Next to each response is a creative photo which symbolises what being part of the ENL program meant to them.
Be sure to check out articles one , two and three of the series for a full insight into the cohort’s experiences!
Jay Court MACN
“I’m proud that a research project I was involved with was selected and that I will have the opportunity to present it at the National Nursing Conference in 2021. The ENL program gave me the impetus to put myself out there and to apply.”
Savannah Grudzinski MACN
“During my time as an ENL, I have been inspired by many people, not least my mentors Sue De Vries and Maddy Van Hunnik and the NurseStrong group. One of things I achieved in the program was organising 40 care packages to be sent to our nursing society members with ACN 2020 goodies and other products that would make 2020 a little bit easier. I have grown professionally and personally and for that I am eternally grateful to be a part of this cohort.”
Lucy Osborn MACN
“This year i am most proud of my ability to adapt to an ever changing environment. I was able to adapt to the world changing pandemic in my clinical role but also in my new teaching role. It was only 2 months into my new role that the new challenge of online teaching arose. I am proud of my use of reflection when things became challenging and because of this i have successfully finished the ENL program for 2019/20 and have received great feedback for my first ever teaching and coordination role within a university’s Bachelor of Nursing Program .”
Hollie Jaggard MACN
“This year I have used all the resources and coping strategies previously learnt through the ACN, the ENL program and my nursing career. I stepped up into a senior department role, gained my Clinical Nurse Specialist title, began a new job teaching into a postgraduate degree as a first time Unit Coordinator/Chief Examiner and Lecturer. All this just before COVID-19 hit our shores. To say I have been challenged is an understatement, but to watch myself survive and grow and learn from this challenge has been a life affirming process. I have struggled, and have felt unsure of myself, but have kept moving forward and am learning to survive better than before. Thank you ACN for never giving up on me! Stef, Kylie, Natascha, Helen and all the team.”
Kaarin Goeldner MACN
“This year I learned to really live with resilience. I am proud of my achievements within the ENL program, and especially of my research and 7 national presentations on Imposter Syndrome. These received positive feedback and helped participants to realise the impact it can have on themselves and their workplace.”
Suzanne Volejnikova-Wenger MACN
“Joy-ned – my own word creation describes my ENL journey and explains the achievement I am most proud of too. Joy at being connected, joined through new links, but mostly joy-ned as nurses at different stages of our journey supporting and being supported to be the best we can all be.”
Beau Dupen MACN
“I’m proud of becoming involved with the ACN’s Men In Nursing Working Party which prompted me to meet with some amazing nurses and come to help lead the NT Men in Nursing Campaign. The ENL program has pushed me to do more and motivate me to influence nursing for the better.”
Amelia Simpkins MACN
“The achievement I am proud of as an Emerging Nurse Leader has been the ability to work in a higher duties role as a Clinical Nurse. I have been afforded the opportunity to extend myself and grow into this new role and understand the responsibility that comes with this role. I have had the opportunity to provide staff education and training, mentor and support new graduate nurses and help provide them with support as they transition. The most significant learning outcome that I have had during the Emerging Nurse Leader program is understanding and accepting that I have nothing to prove to myself anymore and for that lesson I am beaming with pride.”
Danni-Lee Dean MACN
“After completing the ENL program I feel vivacious and enthusiastic. This year has been full of changes, challenges and now I have the confidence to REACH. During high stress times I have found inner strength but more importantly, I’ve learnt to lean on others for support. As nurses, we are a strong, pertinent, imperative and influential workforce and this year I have felt that more than ever. I have commenced a postgraduate study in Health Services Management secondary only to partaking in this program and it has certainly broadened my perspectives. I implore anyone interested to apply, you never know how it might change you.”
Lisa Russ MACN
ENL, post-grad, COVID-19, lockdown, schools closed … no-one could imagine 2020 would be so challenging. It was supposed to be a year of clinical growth and development for me, instead, it was a time for self-reflection and preservation, for building resilience and flexibility. 2020 has made me even more proud to be a NURSE.
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.
