Keen to attend the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) National Nursing Forum (NNF) but unsure how to make it happen?
Each year, nurses from across Australia come together at NNF to share ideas, strengthen leadership skills, and learn from the best in the profession. But as a busy nurse, finding the time and support to step away from work—and securing funding—can be a real challenge.
That’s why we’ve created this practical guide to help you navigate the process. From approaching key decision-makers to preparing a compelling request, you’ll find everything you need to take the next step and make attending NNF a reality.
What’s covered in this guide
- Approaching key decision-makers for support (NUMs, educators, etc.)
- Crafting a persuasive pitch for funding and study leave
- Emphasising return on investment (ROI) for the hospital
- Structuring the request professionally with templates, email examples, and budget outlines
- Highlighting the impact on patient outcomes, innovation, and knowledge sharing
How the guide supports early career nurses
- Empowers nurses to advocate for their professional growth
- Builds confidence in engaging with leadership and navigating systems
- Provides practical tools (e.g. wording, examples, budgets) to make their case
- Encourages engagement in CPD and leadership opportunities early in their careers
- Demonstrates how attending events like NNF can advance their knowledge, skills, and influence, while positively impacting their teams and patients
- Supports the next generation of nurses in becoming proactive, informed, and impactful contributors to their profession.
Step 1: Identify and approach your key contacts
Role: Your direct line manager understands your daily work, strengths, and areas for development. They are crucial for initial support and advocacy.
How to approach:
- Build a strong relationship: Maintain open communication and demonstrate your commitment to your role.
- Schedule a meeting: Don’t just catch them in the hallway. Book a dedicated time to discuss your request.
- Prepare a brief overview: Have a concise summary of the conference, its relevance, and your goals.
- Highlight the benefits to the unit: Explain how your attendance will positively impact the team and patient care.
- Ask for their support: “I am looking for your support for my application for study leave and funding. I believe this conference will be invaluable for my professional growth, and I’m confident I can bring back valuable insights to our team.”
- Clarify the process: Ask whether there is a specific application form, internal portal, or process to follow.
- Anticipate logistical concerns: Your NUM will likely ask how your absence will be covered. Come prepared with suggestions—such as proposed rostering solutions or colleagues who may be able to assist—so you’re contributing to the solution, not just presenting a problem.
Role: Experts in professional development and often familiar with available funding or educational opportunities.
How to approach:
- Seek their advice: “I’m interested in attending the ACN National Nursing Forum, and I’d appreciate your guidance on the application process and any potential funding sources.”
- Leverage their expertise: Ask them for specific recommendations on relevant conference sessions or speakers.
- Inquire about hospital policies: They can provide insights into the hospital’s CPD policies and procedures.
- Ask for help with your application: Ask them to look over your application and give you pointers.
Role: Have the authority to approve formal funding requests and study leave.
How to Approach:
- Present a well-prepared proposal: Your request should be professional, detailed, and backed with evidence.
- Focus on the return on investment (ROI): Emphasise the benefits to the hospital, such as improved patient outcomes, enhanced staff skills, and increased knowledge.
- Provide a detailed budget: Include all costs associated with attending the conference.
- Clearly state the alignment with hospital goals: Show how the conference supports the hospital’s strategic objectives.
- Follow formal procedures: Adhere to the hospital’s policies for funding requests and study leave.
- Be patient and persistent: The approval process may take time. Follow up politely and provide any additional information requested.
Step 2: Start the conversation
In-Person:
“Hi [NUM’s Name], I’m really interested in attending the ACN National Nursing Forum. I believe it would significantly enhance my professional development in [specific area]. I’d like to book a time to start discussing study leave and potential funding.”
Email:
Subject: Request for Study Leave and Funding – ACN National Nursing Forum
“Dear [NUM’s Name], I am writing to express my interest in attending the ACN National Nursing Forum on [Dates]. I believe this conference aligns with my professional development goals and would provide valuable insights that I can apply to my practice and share with the team. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss study leave and potential funding. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]”
- This request should be more formal and include the budget and ROI. Often, this is submitted through a formal application form or portal.
- This request may be completed by your NUM – be guided by their response.
- If you are to discuss it directly with the Director of Nursing, here is an example email:
“Dear [Director of Nursing Name], I am writing to formally request study leave and funding to attend the ACN National Nursing Forum from [Dates]. This conference provides a unique opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills in [specific area], which directly aligns with our hospital’s commitment to [hospital’s values/objectives]. Attached is a detailed budget outlining the costs associated with attending the conference, as well as a summary of how my participation will benefit our department and patient outcomes. Thank you for considering my request. Sincerely, [Your Name]”
Step 3: Sell the conference as vital CPD
- Connect to current trends: Mention specific conference sessions or topics that address current healthcare challenges or innovations.
- Highlight networking opportunities: Emphasise the chance to connect with experts and peers nationally. Use real-life examples of how this has already helped you.
- Showcase relevance to your role: Explain how the conference will help you better perform your current duties and prepare for future roles.
- Use specific examples: Refer to speakers, sessions, or workshops that directly relate to your specialty /area of practice.
- Relate to hospital goals: Identify current initiatives, strategic goals, or improvement areas within your workplace, and explain how attending the conference will support these efforts.
Step 4: Prepare your pitch
- Specificity is key: Avoid vague requests. Rather than saying, “I’d like to attend a conference,” say something like, “I am requesting [number] days of study leave from [start date] to [end date], along with funding of $[amount], to attend the ACN National Nursing Forum in [location].”
- State both leave and funding: It is important to state both, as sometimes they are approved separately.
- Be confident and direct: Communicate your request with confidence. You’re asking for something that supports both your professional development and the hospital’s goals.
- Include dates and location: Help your manager quickly understand the scope of your request by stating the exact dates and location.
Example: “I am formally requesting three days of study leave from 23 July to 25 July 2025, and funding of $3,500, to attend the ACN National Nursing Forum in Canberra.”
- Align with the hospital’s strategic goals: Research your hospital’s current goals and initiatives. Show how the conference content directly supports them.
- Connect to your professional development plan: If you have a formal development plan, reference it. Show how the conference fills specific gaps or advances your goals.
- Specific conference themes: Don’t just say it’s “relevant.” Mention specific conference themes, sessions, or speakers that align with your work.
Example: “The forum’s focus on [specific theme, e.g., ‘innovative models of care’] directly aligns with our hospital’s current initiative to improve [hospital goal]. Attending sessions on [specific session titles] will provide me with practical strategies to implement in our unit.”
- Evidence-based practice: Explain how the conference will expose you to the latest evidence-based practices that can improve patient care.
- Innovation and problem-solving: Highlight sessions that address innovative solutions to common challenges in your field.
- Specific examples: Provide concrete examples of how you’ll apply your learnings to improve patient outcomes.
Example: “Learning about [specific technique/approach] at the NNF will enable me to implement [specific change] in our patient care protocols, which I anticipate will reduce [negative outcome] and improve patient satisfaction.”
- Detailed dissemination plan: Don’t just say you’ll “share.” Provide a detailed plan for how you’ll disseminate your learnings.
- Variety of methods: Use a variety of methods, such as presentations, written reports, workshops, or informal discussions.
- Target audience: Identify specific colleagues or teams you’ll share learnings with.
Example: “Upon returning, I will create a comprehensive report summarising key takeaways and present it at our unit’s staff meeting. I will also develop a resource guide for our team and conduct a workshop on [specific skill/knowledge].”
- Itemised costs: Break down all costs into specific categories (registration, travel, accommodation, meals, etc.).
- Realistic estimates: Research and provide realistic cost estimates.
- Justification: Be prepared to justify each cost.
Example:- Conference Registration: $925
- Round-trip airfare: $800
- Accommodation (three nights at $200/night): $600
- Meals: $400
- Local transportation: $100
- Total: $2,825
- Quantifiable benefits: If possible, quantify the benefits of your attendance (e.g., reduced patient readmissions and improved staff efficiency).
- Long-term value: Emphasise the long-term value of your enhanced skills and knowledge to the hospital.
- Improved staff morale: Attending conferences can boost morale and demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to staff development.
- Enhanced reputation: Attending national events, and then sharing the knowledge gained, can enhance the hospital’s reputation.
Example: “By implementing the [specific technique/approach] I will learn at the NNF, we can potentially reduce patient readmissions by [percentage], resulting in cost savings for the hospital. Furthermore, my enhanced skills will contribute to improved staff morale and enhance the hospital’s reputation as a leader in [area of expertise].”
Pitch template
Once you’ve spoken to your manager and gathered the details, it’s time to formalise your request. A well-structured pitch can make all the difference—showing that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the opportunity. Use the following template as a guide to help you write a compelling, professional proposal that outlines your request, highlights the benefits, and supports your case with clear evidence. Tailor it to your context, and don’t forget to keep it concise, confident, and aligned with your organisation’s priorities.
Introduction:
- State your name, role, and department.
- Clearly state your request for study leave and funding to attend the ACN National Nursing Forum.
Event relevance:
- Provide details about the event (dates, location, themes).
- Explain how the event aligns with your professional development goals and the hospital’s objectives. Especially if the hospital is a sponsor/Affiliate of ACN.
- Mention specific sessions or speakers that are relevant to your practice.
Impact on clinical practice and patient outcomes:
- Explain how the event will enhance your knowledge and skills.
- Provide specific examples of how you’ll apply your learnings to improve patient care.
- Address how the conference will foster innovation in your practice.
Knowledge sharing:
- Outline how you plan to share your learnings with colleagues (e.g., in-service presentations, ward meetings, written reports).
- Emphasise the benefits of disseminating knowledge to the wider team.
Budget:
- Provide a detailed breakdown of all costs using the template below.
- Registration fee: $ [Amount]
- Flights:
Round-trip airfare: $ [Amount] - Accommodation:
[Number] nights at $ [Amount] per night: $ [Amount] - Meals:
Estimated daily meal allowance: $ [Amount] x [Number] days: $ [Amount] - Transportation (Local):
Taxis, public transport, etc.: $ [Amount] - Total estimated cost: $ [Total Amount]
Return on investment (ROI):
- Explain how the hospital will benefit from your attendance.
- Highlight the long-term value of your enhanced skills and knowledge.
Conclusion:
- Reiterate your request and express your gratitude for their consideration.
- Offer to provide any additional information.
Why attend the 2025 National Nursing Forum?
The NNF is ACN’s signature annual leadership and educational event, bringing together nurses, nursing students, and health professionals from around Australia and the world. In 2025, NNF will be held from Wednesday 23 – Friday 25 July at the National Convention Centre Canberra.
This year’s theme, Courage, Compassion, Connection – Empowering Nurses for the Future, will explore how nurses are shaping the future of health care. With a strong line-up of speakers, forum sessions will delve into key topics such as workforce, digital health, planetary health, and clinical innovations.
Attendees will enjoy a vibrant and engaging experience, featuring in-person presentations, interactive discussions with peers and leaders, and the chance to connect with sponsors and exhibitors showcasing the latest products and solutions in health care. Whether you’re looking to learn, lead, or be inspired, NNF 2025 is an unmissable opportunity to grow your impact and influence.
With thanks to ACN’s Next Generation Faculty
This guide was developed by the Leadership Team of ACN’s Next Generation Faculty, a dynamic network of early career nurses dedicated to forging a strong professional identity and shaping the future of health care in Australia.
Chair: Ms Caitlyn Moore MACN
Deputy Chair: Mrs Tammy Sooveere MACN
Leadership Support: Mr Liam Jackson MACN, Mr Mitchell Bannah MACN, Ms Alicia McKenna MACN
Former Chair: Ms Lucy Osborn FACN
The Next Generation Faculty connects emerging nurse leaders across the country, empowering them to engage in advocacy, policy, and leadership development early in their careers.
Joining a Faculty is an exclusive benefit of ACN membership, offering access to a dynamic community of nurses shaping the future of the profession.
Not an ACN member yet? Become part of Australia’s peak professional nursing association to access this benefit and many more. Join today by completing the online membership form.
