A Scholarship and a Realisation

I was awarded a $300 scholarship to present research I had conducted at an international conference. As part of the funding agreement, I was required to write a report documenting my experience. While I was grateful for the scholarship, I couldn’t help but notice the disparity in funding between different healthcare professionals attending the same event. This led me to reflect on the broader issue of how nurses are supported in their professional development.

The Impact of Nursing Research

The research I presented was a method comparison study evaluating the agreement between two thermometer devices in pre-term and term neonates. This work helped identify the causes of neonatal hypothermia, leading to process improvements and a reduction in neonatal hypothermia cases. Being invited to present at an international conference was a tremendous honour, allowing me to engage with global healthcare professionals, share knowledge, and contribute to improving neonatal care worldwide.

However, during the conference, I noticed something striking: while nursing research was present, nurses' voices were not. Instead, medical counterparts often presented work done by their nursing colleagues. I found this disconnect troubling and began questioning why more nurses weren’t given the platform to present their research.

From Beginnings in Aged Care

My healthcare career began as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) in aged care. I later pursued a Bachelor of Nursing while continuing to work as a PCA. After graduating in 2011 and completing a nursing graduate program, I embarked on a journey to neonatal intensive care. Over the years, I obtained a postgraduate qualification in Neonatal Intensive Care and became a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), a role requiring advanced clinical expertise and leadership.

Like many nurses, my career has been filled with moments that stay with me forever. Early in my career, I responded to an assist buzzer and found a woman who had unexpectedly delivered a stillborn baby in the bathroom. The experience was overwhelming. My response, the uncertainty among my colleagues, and the patient's distress reinforced the importance of continuous learning, preparedness, and professional development for nurses. It highlighted a broader issue of how nurses are supported in acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for the challenging realities of healthcare, particularly in the formative years. And most especially during these distressing and confronting situations.

Investing in Nursing Development

As I progressed in my career, I developed a passion for quality improvement and research, leading me to a Clinical Practice Improvement Specialist role. In this role, I worked on developing clinical guidelines and identifying areas for improvement in neonatal care. Research and innovation are fundamental to healthcare, and nurses must be equipped with the resources to engage in these activities.

Attending conferences, engaging in further education, and participating in research are essential to professional growth. These activities enhance the quality of patient care, foster innovation, and allow for collaboration across disciplines. However, financial and logistical barriers often constrain nurses' ability to participate in these opportunities.

Addressing the Challenge

Professional development in healthcare is recognised as a cornerstone of high-quality care. Conferences, seminars, education workshops, and higher learning contribute to clinician confidence, skill development, and improved patient outcomes. While many doctors have structured support, even childminding allowances, for their continuing education, the support for nurses is less consistent.

Rather than viewing this as a division between professions, we should focus on creating equitable opportunities for all healthcare workers to engage in professional growth. Some hospitals and organisations recognise this need and are stepping up to fund nurses’ participation in research and development opportunities. This support is crucial, as investing in nurses ultimately leads to better patient care.

After exploring several options, including medical colleagues offering to use their professional development funds towards my attendance, the hospital I work for provided the funds required to attend this conference, for which I am incredibly grateful.

Moving Forward - Solutions and Advocacy

The challenge is to ensure sustainable and structured support for nurses' ongoing education, professional development and research involvement. Some potential strategies include:

• Organisational Funding Initiatives – Hospitals and health services can allocate dedicated funds for nursing education and conference participation.
• Professional Grants and Scholarships – Expanding the availability and accessibility of grants tailored to nursing professionals.
• Collaboration Across Professions – Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration ensures nurses and doctors access similar professional development opportunities.
• Workplace Policies – Formalising policies that recognise the importance of non-clinical time for nurses to engage in research and education.

Recognising and Supporting Nursing Excellence

Nursing is an incredible profession that attracts individuals with a deep commitment to patient care. Recognising and valuing nurses' contributions means ensuring they have the same opportunities to grow, develop, and lead as their medical colleagues.

Healthcare is at its best when all professionals—nurses, doctors, and allied health workers—are equipped with the knowledge, skills, capability, and support to provide exceptional care. By advocating for better support structures, we can ensure that nurses continue to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare.

Author

Natalia Toumbourou 

Natalia Toumbourou is an accomplished senior neonatal nurse with extensive experience providing high-quality care to sick and premature neonates. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated leadership across various roles, including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Support Nurse, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Educator, and Clinical Practice Improvement Specialist.

Natalia has been pivotal in advancing neonatal care, notably developing and leading clinical education programs, such as the NIC Discovery partnership between Western Health and The Royal Women’s Hospital, supporting postgraduate nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care. She has a strong track record in quality improvement projects, including reducing neonatal hypothermia, developing a Golden Hour model of care, and creating a framework for neurodevelopmental care in preterm neonates, all while ensuring evidence-based practices through policy development.

Her expertise extends to clinical education, simulation-based training, and fostering professional development for neonatal nurses. She is an active member of neonatal collaborative groups focused on improving clinical care and outcomes for vulnerable neonates. She is passionate about research, education, and continuous quality improvement and is dedicated to empowering nurses and enhancing neonatal care standards.

Natalia holds a Master of Advanced Practice Nursing and works as the Neonatal Service Development Lead for Western Health. She is also a co-founder of NEO, an organisation dedicated to advancing neonatal education and practice. More information about NEO can be found at www.neoedu.org.