From nurse to leader: Gain practical tools to advance your nursing career
No matter where you work, on a general ward, in community care, or in the emergency department, the Empowered Nurse Leadership (ENL) program is designed to support nurses from all backgrounds.
If you're feeling stuck and unsure how to take the next step, or already in a leadership role and ready to grow, ENL provides the practical tools, structured guidance, and real-world insights to help you break through barriers and reach your full potential.
We’re offering a unique opportunity for nurses who are ready for a new challenge but don’t know where to start. This program will give you the leadership skills and real-world insights needed to elevate your career.
You’ll gain practical experience through interactive learning, led by experienced nurse leaders and managers. You can progress at your own pace while gaining the confidence and skills to take charge in your department.
What you'll experience throughout the course to unlock your leadership potential:
Eight engaging, self-paced online modules: Covering core leadership concepts through dynamic, evidence-informed content.
Two interactive virtual tutorials: Facilitated small-group sessions designed to consolidate learning and encourage peer collaboration.
A transformative masterclass: Offering immersive, hands-on learning with direct access to faculty and practical leadership development activities.
Integrated application activities, reflection and course exercises throughout the program: Designed to reinforce key concepts and support immediate translation in everyday practice.
Ongoing faculty guidance: Including opportunities for personalised guidance from experienced leaders in the field.
Program Schedule – Semester 2, 2026
Session\ | Date | Time | Location |
Program commencement | Monday, 13 July 2026 | – | Online |
Commencement Tutorial | Monday, 13 July 2026 | 2:00 to 2:30 pm | Online |
Tutorial 1: Aspiring Leadership and Feedback | Wednesday, 29 July 2026 | 4:00 to 6:00 pm | Online |
Tutorial 2: Productivity and Problem Solving | Thursday 20 August 2026 | 4:00 to 6:00 pm | Online |
In-person masterclass | Friday 11 September 2026 | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Melbourne CBD |
Virtual masterclass | Friday 9 October 2026 | 9:30 am to 3:00 pm | Online |
All dates subject to change
All course content, including online modules, tutorials and either the in-person or virtual masterclass, must be completed by Sunday, 13 October 2026.
Masterclass Options:
We highly recommend attending the in-person Masterclass in Melbourne for the most immersive experience, featuring extended content, access to more faculty, and invaluable networking opportunities with peers and leaders.
Can’t make it to Melbourne? Our interactive virtual option still offers a rich, high-quality experience, allowing you to engage with key content and specialist faculty from anywhere in the world.
Emma Saddington
Emma Saddington is the Chief Nurse for the Victorian Department of Health and an accomplished executive nursing leader with extensive experience across Victoria's public and community health systems. She has led statewide nursing and health system reforms, contributed to Australia's first National Nursing Workforce Strategy, and represented Australia internationally through the Global Nursing Leadership Institute.
A critical care trained registered nurse, Emma has more than 20 years of experience across tertiary, trauma and community healthcare settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Disability Studies), Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration.
Emma is recognised for her leadership in nursing workforce strategy, professional development, health system improvement and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is passionate about building a capable, sustainable nursing workforce and developing the next generation of nurse leaders through strong partnerships, innovation and evidence-informed practice. Her work continues to influence nursing leadership, workforce capability and the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care across Australia.
Lisa Braithwaite
Lisa Braithwaite was endorsed an Emergency Nurse Practitioner in 2016 and has over 20 years emergency nursing experience. Lisa has worked in several clinical, leadership and education roles including leading the Masters of Emergency Nursing degree with university partners and developing local education programs to support new nurses in emergency nursing. Lisa has an interest in developing others and enjoys mentoring medical and nursing colleagues in clinical skills and leadership capabilities. She is also involved in strategic planning for Alfred Health’s nursing capability framework and leadership development pathways for the nursing workforce.
Kate Settle
Kate Settle is a Critical Care Registered Nurse who holds a Masters in Health Administration and her experience in clinical leadership is driven by a passion for emergency care. Currently working as the Nurse Manager at Alfred Health Emergency, Australia, Kate is passionate about supporting high quality care through reviewing systems, processes, quality and performance data and evidence-based practice. With extensive experience working in Victoria’s two level one trauma centres and as a ward based Cardiac Nurse, Kate understands the transition from clinical expert to leader and is dedicated to learning, as well as enthusiastic about mentorship and coaching members of her team. Kate has an interest in research and her current project is related to the understanding and prevention of occupational violence and aggression in the Emergency Department setting.
Jessica Cowan
Jessica is a program, project and operational manager who holds a Bachelor of Business. After spending the beginning of her career in the private corporate sector, she has been working in public health for over 9 years in various senior administration, project and operational management roles. Jessica has been instrumental in the development and delivery of multiple large scale projects and programs, supporting clinical teams. Most recently as Program Manager for a state-wide education program for nurses working in urgent (emergency) care, alongside clinical pilot projects and development of new nursing education programs. She now leads the Alfred Emergency Academic Centre and manages multiple teams and programs. Jessica has a particular interest in developing people, team culture and creating engaged, high-performing teams.
