About the event

Held the day before the National Nursing Forum, this impactful pre-conference event is designed, organised, and delivered by the ACN Next Generation Faculty team to uplift early career nurses and those who support them.

With the theme Ignite. Influence. Inspire., the afternoon session will open with an empowering keynote address by Belynda Abbott FACN, an esteemed nurse leader celebrated for her work in leadership, mentorship, and inspiring the next generation of nurses.

The program will also feature TEDx-style presentations from three remarkable nurses who are shaping the future of the profession:

• Nasiba Faiz RN, MACCCN, MACN (Paediatric ICU Registered Nurse and ACN ENL program alumna)
• Alyson Martin MACN (NUM and value-based leader)
• Trina Pitts MACN (Nurse Coach and Nurse Educator)

Whether you’re just beginning your nursing career or guiding others through theirs, this event will offer meaningful insights, personal growth opportunities, and lasting connections.

Key Learning Objectives

• Identify core values, passions, and professional purpose to ignite motivation and direction early in a nursing career
• Explore diverse nursing career pathways and opportunities to influence practice, policy, and community health from the beginning of a nursing career.
• Build confidence in communicating professional identity and expressing a voice within clinical and leadership settings.
• Connect with peers and experienced nurses to build a supportive professional network and strengthen a sense of belonging within the nursing community.
• Develop a personal action plan outlining next steps for professional development, engagement, and leadership development.

About the speakers

Belynda Abbott FACN

Belynda Abbott is a nurse leader, educator, and change agent with over 24 years of experience across clinical, operational, governance and academic roles.  A Fellow and former Board Director of the Australian College of Nursing, she is a published author, international presenter, and Global Nurse leadership Institute scholar.  Currently a Nurse Lecturer at the University of Canberra, Belynda is passionate about empowering the next generation of nurses to lead with purpose.  She champions essential care, planetary health, and universal healthcare, aligning her work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to inspire unity, professionalism, and heart in nursing. 

Nasiba Faiz MACN

Nasiba is an energetic Paediatric ICU nurse at the Children’s Hospital Westmead, with a background in medical science, research, and neonatal intensive care. A University of Sydney graduate with distinction, she also holds a Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing (Intensive Care). Nasiba currently serves as Secretary for the ACN NSW Region and is passionate about education, workplace culture, mentoring, and advancing leadership in nursing. 

She contributed to research through her work with Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, culminating in her first publications on long-term colorectal cancer survivorship. Nasiba also co-developed a leadership course in the university open learning working alongside both academics and students to better equip future students. In 2024, she completed the Emerging Nurse Leader program.

Her clinical and academic experience is grounded in a commitment to equity, family-centred care, and cultivating a nursing culture of excellence, civility, and collaboration

Alyson Martin MACN

I am Alyson Martin, a Registered Nurse with 36 years of experience.  I am a curious value-based leader committed to providing a person-centred culture where all can flourish.

My career began at Cairns Base Hospital in 1986 and from there I am a little like a Dr Zeus Book, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”. I have not found an area in our profession that I haven’t enjoyed. From Public Hospitals, General Practice, Community Nursing, Infection Prevention and Control, Practice Support Officer and Conference organiser to Acting Director of Nursing, this tapestry is me. 

Trina Pitts MACN

Trina Pitts is a registered nurse, educator, and dedicated nurse coach with nearly 25 years of experience. After enduring burnout, workplace bullying, and a career crisis that nearly ended her nursing journey, Trina founded Trina Pitts Coaching to help nurses overcome the challenges of their profession, prioritise their well-being, and build sustainable, fulfilling careers. She created the Nurse Wellness Assessment, a free tool for nurses to assess their personal and professional well-being, and the Empower & Thrive Roadmap, a step-by-step guide that helps nurses in survival mode regain clarity, confidence, and control to thrive both in life and work. Trina’s mission is to empower nurses to cultivate well-being and excel personally and professionally.