Date: June 7th, 2024
Venue: Education Centre, Block 1, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD
What to Expect:
Stream 1 AOD Masterclass: Tailored for AOD nurse practitioners, nurses undertaking AOD NP studies, and AOD advanced clinical nurses, this masterclass promises in-depth insights and practical knowledge that will take your expertise to the next level.
Stream 2 AOD Foundational Bootcamp: Designed for nurses, midwives, and nurse practitioners with an interest in understanding and addressing health issues related to alcohol and other drugs, the foundational bootcamp provides a comprehensive overview to broaden your understanding and skill set.
Register Now to secure your place
Should you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at admin@nextgennursepractitioners.com
For more information about:
Darren Smyth, a seasoned professional in the Drug and Alcohol field since 1988, boasts a 30-year career marked by diverse roles across regional and remote Australia, including detoxification units, rehabilitation programs, community dual-diagnosis, research, hospital consultation, liaison, management, and the prison environment. His versatility extends to both public and private practices. Darren continually enhances his expertise, pursuing studies in Anthropology, Education, and Nursing. Notably, he implemented a groundbreaking Nurse Practitioner-led Ambulatory Withdrawal service and co-developed the Triple C Mentoring Program, fostering education, peer support, and a community of practice within the Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioner workforce. Passionate about the next generation of Nurse Practitioners, he co founded Next Gen Nurse Practitioners, providing tailored education and support. Recognized with the "Australian Nurse Practitioner Mentor of the Year" award in 2023, Darren has held esteemed positions in DANA and ACNP, affirming his significant contributions to the field.
Jason Harrison, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner in Central Queensland, stands out for his commitment to drug and alcohol nursing and mentoring the next generation of practitioners. With a Masters in Nurse Practitioner / chronic disease management from the University of Queensland in 2013, Jason co-founded Next Gen Nurse Practitioners to offer tailored education, peer support, and community building for the drug and alcohol sector. An active member of DANA, Fellow of ACNP, and QNMU Nurse Practitioner branch delegate, Jason co-developed the Triple C Mentoring Program with Darren Smyth. Honoured with the "Nurse Practitioner of the Year" award in 2023, Jason's influence goes beyond accolades. He actively expands drug and alcohol service delivery, supporting fellow practitioners in areas like Hepatitis C and comprehensive co-morbidity management, ensuring holistic healthcare for patients in the drug and alcohol field.
Kate holds a diploma in applied science in nursing, postgraduate certificates in Drug and Alcohol, Genetic Counselling, and a Masters in Addictive Behaviours. Currently pursuing a Grad Cert in Mental Health Nursing, she began her AOD career in 1997, spanning drug diversion, withdrawal management, youth, counselling, and hospital consultation liaison. Now focused on perinatal care, Kate emphasizes trauma-informed engagement, realistic patient care planning, and collegial care. Her multifaceted role involves exposing nurses and allied health staff to the complexities of AOD work with connection, humour, and a commitment to learning, showcasing her dedication to holistic healthcare.
All day chair of the AOD Bootcamp
Margo has worked within many different areas of nursing throughout her career. She has 24 years’ experience working within the Alcohol and Drug Service in Brisbane and is currently a Nurse Unit Manager for one of the Opioid Treatment Clinics in Brisbane North. She has many years’ experience working in undergraduate nursing education as well as educating GPs and multi-disciplinary health care professionals about all aspects of addiction.
• Topic: Attitudes and values
Brendan, a registered nurse with 30+ years' experience, has a diverse background spanning acute care, forensic mental health, orthopaedic nursing, and the last 17 years in the AOD sector. His roles have included RN, Nurse Unit Manager, Nurse Manager, and Clinical Nurse Educator. Currently serving as the Clinical Nurse Consultant in AOD Hospital Consult Liaison at a Lismore facility, Brendan specializes in inpatient withdrawal and Opioid Replacement Treatment. With qualifications such as BA Sc Nsg, Cert Mental Health Nursing, BA (Hons) Psychology, and a Grad Cert in Addict Studies, he brings a wealth of expertise to the healthcare field.
• Topic: Alcohol and other drugs assessment
Bio coming soon
• Topic: Alcohol dependence and withdrawal management
Bio coming soon
• Topic: Alcohol dependence and withdrawal management
Nomusa, a Zimbabwean-born Nurse Practitioner and Credentialed Mental Health Nurse, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Sciences (AOD specialization) from New Zealand, and a recent Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) in 2021. With diverse experience in mental health, forensics, and rural community health, she employs Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance Commitment Therapy in her compassionate and collaborative approach. Currently practicing in Bendigo, Nomusa excels in community-health centres, correctional-health facilities, and residential AOD detox. Recognised for mentoring trainee nurses by Drug and Alcohol Nurses Australasia, she actively pursues professional development, specialising in ADHD assessments and contributing to community development for culturally diverse women.
Margo has worked within many different areas of nursing throughout her career. She has 24 years’ experience working within the Alcohol and Drug Service in Brisbane and is currently a Nurse Unit Manager for one of the Opioid Treatment Clinics in Brisbane North. She has many years’ experience working in undergraduate nursing education as well as educating GPs and multi-disciplinary health care professionals about all aspects of addiction.
• Topic: Understanding ADHD, substance use Disorder, and the NP’s holistic approach (co-presenting with Nomusa Napier)
Bio coming soon
• Topic: Lost in the urban wilderness: Identification and management of homeless patient CVD risk
Catherine, with over 12 years in bariatric medical and surgical services, founded a private nurse practitioner weight loss service in 2012, evolving into WHY Clinic. Leading a team of 6 nurse practitioners, the clinic serves over 600 clients monthly through face-to-face and Telehealth. Catherine, the first Australian Nurse Practitioner to complete the Horizon Mentoring Program, coordinated the ACNP Advanced Practice Bariatric Course. As a committee member on NACOS and clinical leadership on The Obesity Collective, she represents Nurse Practitioners nationally. Recognized with ACNP Fellowship in 2023, Catherine's influence extends to perioperative nursing and ACORN Fellowship, emphasizing nurses' pivotal role in patient-centered bariatric care.
• Topic: YTISEBO could this be the derangement of the liver function tests?
• Topic: How to transition into private practice (co-presenting with Rich Newman, Donna Searles and Raquel Howe)
Robyn Mallett, a Nurse Practitioner at Qld Health's Community & Oral Health Diabetes Service, began her journey with a Masters in Applied Science, majoring in Exercise, from the University of Queensland. Transitioning to nursing in 2004, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, developing a keen interest in chronic disease management, particularly diabetes. Her dedication is evident in a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Studies (2009) and a Master of Nurse Practitioner Studies with a subspecialty in Chronic Disease (2011, Deans Commendation). Robyn, recognized with Executive Director Awards, prioritizes patient relationships, collaborative goal-setting, and personalized care for optimal health outcomes.
• Topic: The sweet effect: the top 10 things to consider with a AODS patient with co-morbid diabetes
Rich Newman epitomizes the transformative impact of mentorship on professional success. Guided by supportive leaders throughout his career, Rich's commitment to excellence shines. Rich’s expertise spans primary care, emergency nursing, and navigating custodial health complexities. In his private practice, Rich dedicates himself to delivering comprehensive advanced nursing care. As a Board Member of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, he actively shapes the profession's future. Collaborating with private enterprises, Rich enhances healthcare understanding. His belief in investing in people drives his dedication to cultivating a supportive and thriving healthcare environment.
• Topic: Respiratory considerations in the AOD patient
• Topic: How to transition into private practice (co-presenting with Raquel Howe, Donna Searles and Catherine Smith)
Becoming a nurse in 2000, I started in mental health due to circumstance, working in a facility for patients decentralized after the closure of the Royal Derwent Hospital. The experience ignited my passion for nursing. After working at Launceston General Hospital's mental health unit, I travelled Australia but settled in Rockhampton in 2006. Completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing in 2009, I ventured into diverse roles within the public mental health system. In 2010, inspired by the First MH NP Rob Leerentveld, I pursued a Masters in NP studies. In 2022, I founded Ashar Health, expanding into addiction medicine. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, I work full-time for myself and contract with Lives Lived Well. Beyond nursing, I'm a proud Dance Mum and Basketball Mum.
• Topic: The World of Trauma, Personality disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Melanie serves as a Pain Management Nurse Practitioner at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, leading the Sub-Acute Pain Service. As the convenor and chair of the Focus on Pain Group QLD and a committee member for the Australian Pain Nurses, she plays a vital role in pain management advocacy. Melanie is actively engaged as a nurse practitioner, serving on the Australian College of Nurse Practitioner Committee QLD Chapter and mentoring several candidates. Her commitment extends to education, where she conducts monthly sessions for Metro North NP’s and students. Additionally, she chairs the Metro North Nurse Practitioner Advisory Group and contributes to advisory panels on QScript and the Community Opioid Dispensing (CODI) project, showcasing her multifaceted leadership and research contributions.
• Topic: Respiratory considerations in the AOD patient
• Topic: How to transition into private practice (co-presenting with Raquel Howe, Donna Searles and Catherine Smith)
Bek Woodbine, a seasoned nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in various healthcare domains, owns and operates Perfectly Smooth, a dermatology clinic in Brisbane. Specializing in acne, rosacea, and pigmentation management, the clinic also offers advanced injectables. Bek extends valuable support to fellow nurses dealing with aesthetic complications. In 2023, she launched the podcast "Tenderness for Nurses," now in its 3rd season, addressing critical issues like ethics, boundaries, substance misuse, and workplace violence. Bek's podcast success has led to invitations from multiple hospitals to speak on promoting tenderness among nursing staff and fostering self-care.
• Topic: Tenderness for nurses
Donna, a highly experienced nurse practitioner, excels in primary health care, acute care, chronic disease management, blood-borne virus care, and opioid dependence treatment. Managing a monthly clinic in Brisbane and serving as a director at RND Health, a telehealth business for primary and ODT treatment, Donna plays a key role. Additionally, she facilitates the largest ODT program in Queensland prisons alongside another nurse practitioner and a dedicated nursing team. Donna's diverse expertise underscores her commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services, bridging gaps in both private and correctional healthcare settings.
• Topic: How to transition into private practice (co-presenting with Rich Newman, Raquel Howe and Catherine Smith)
• Topic: Private telehealth & Opioid Dependency (co presenting with Raquel Howe)
Raquel, a specialized Nurse Practitioner in Opioid dependence, and primary health care, brings extensive experience from both custodial and private settings. As the co-owner/director of RnD Health, a telehealth clinic focusing on opioid dependence and primary health care, she combines entrepreneurship with clinical expertise. Additionally, Raquel serves full-time as an ODT/Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner in high and low secure correctional facilities in SE QLD. Her dual roles underscore a commitment to addressing opioid dependence and delivering comprehensive primary health care, emphasizing her impact in both telehealth and correctional healthcare environments.
• Topic: How to transition into private practice (co-presenting with Rich Newman, Donna Searles and Catherine Smith)
• Topic: Private telehealth & Opioid Dependency (co presenting with Donna Searles)
Dr. Jim Connell, CMO and co-founder of Heyday Medical, is a passionate advocate for providing high-quality, naturally grown Australian cannabis medicines. With a background as a General Practitioner, he has been treating patients with cannabis medicine since 2018, focusing on chronic pain, mental health, palliative care, cancer management, and complex chronic diseases. Driven by a holistic approach, he integrates cannabis with lifestyle, nutrition, and complementary medicines to support the body's endocannabinoid system. Actively involved in education, he offers clinical mentorship, aiming to empower healthcare practitioners in confidently incorporating these versatile medicines into their toolkit, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
• Topic: Medical Cannabis: A versatile tool for managing complex patients and reducing polypharmacy.
With over 20 years of experience in Hepatology, Blood Borne Viruses, and Sexual Health, Mary became a Nurse Practitioner in 2007. Her focus on chronic hepatitis C led her to clinical trials, witnessing the evolution of treatments from limited success to user-friendly efficacy. Leaving a tertiary Liver Clinic in 2018, Mary joined the Queensland Injectors Health Network, operating outreach clinics across southeast Queensland for marginalized populations. As a founding member and former President of the Australasian Hepatology Association, Mary collaborates on guidelines and standards. Currently pursuing a PhD, Mary's commitment to accessible care and research underscores her influential role in Hepatology.
• Topic: The ABC of Hepatitis C screening and treatment:
Register Now to secure your place
Should you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at admin@nextgennursepractitioners.com
Do you work in regional, rural, or remote areas of NSW?
Next Gen Nurse Practitioners, in partnership with the NSW Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs, is pleased to announce multiple scholarships available to potential delegates.
These scholarships cover delegate registration, travel, and accommodation expenses generally not exceeding $1,000.
Priority will be given to nurses from regional, rural, and remote areas of NSW.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save on registration fees.
Click for more information about scholarships or to obtain an application form.
Scholarship applications close on May 3rd 2024.
The ‘Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing Masterclass: Bridging Practice Gaps’ is fast approaching, and we have some exciting news to share regarding scholarship opportunities.
Next Gen Nurse Practitioners is extending the deadline for scholarship applications to April 21st, 2024.
Several scholarships are available to potential delegates, covering delegate registration, travel, and accommodation costs up to the value of $1,000.
This presents a wonderful opportunity for you to attend the event, which is scheduled to be held at the Education Centre, Block 1, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD, on June 7th, 2024.
Seize this chance! For more details about the scholarships.
For more information about: