College of Emergency Nursing Australasia

College of Emergency Nursing Australasia CENA is the peak body and leading advocate for standards, professionalism and education in emergency

CENA is the peak body and leading advocate for standards, professionalism and education in emergency nursing.

Abstract submissions are open for ICEN 2026. We invite submissions for both oral and poster presentations, offering a va...
14/04/2026

Abstract submissions are open for ICEN 2026. We invite submissions for both oral and poster presentations, offering a valuable opportunity to showcase your work, share insights, and contribute to a dynamic and engaging scientific program. Abstract submissions close on Friday 12th June 2026, so be sure to review the submission guidelines and start preparing your abstract today.

Submit your Abstract Here: https://www.cena.org.au/icen/icen-2026/call-for-abstracts/

Take advantage of early bird registration, available until Thursday 13th August 2026, and secure your place at a discounted rate before prices increase.

✨ Advance your emergency nursing career with CENA TNP!Ready to take the next step in trauma nursing practice? The CENA T...
13/04/2026

✨ Advance your emergency nursing career with CENA TNP!
Ready to take the next step in trauma nursing practice? The CENA Trauma Nursing Program (TNP) is your pathway to sharpen skills, boost confidence, and make a real impact in patient care.

📸 Swipe through the carousel to see how TNP empowers nurses across Australia.

👉 Enrol now for 2026 and secure your place.

👉 Or, bring TNP to your workplace by hosting a course – help your team grow together.

Step into 2026 with confidence - enrol or host a TNP course today.

Join the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre for their ANZAC Commemorative Service, as we come together to honour nurses w...
12/04/2026

Join the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre for their ANZAC Commemorative Service, as we come together to honour nurses who have served.

Held at the Nurses’ Memorial in Melbourne, this annual service recognises the courage, compassion and enduring contribution of nurses.

📅 Sunday 19 April 2026
🕑 2:00pm
📍 Nurses’ Memorial, Fawkner Towers Forecourt, 431 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Attendees are invited to lay a wreath in memory of those who served. Alternatively, you may contribute to the Collaborative Wreath through a donation to the ANMC Scholarship Fund.

Following the service, guests are welcome to join afternoon tea and hear from guest speaker Dr Alison Hansen, a credentialed mental health nurse, lecturer at Monash University, and past recipient of the ANMC Betty Jeffrey Award.

We look forward to coming together to remember, reflect and honour the legacy of nurses across generations.

Congratulations to Emma Saddington on her appointment as Chief Nurse Officer at the Victorian Department of Health!The C...
10/04/2026

Congratulations to Emma Saddington on her appointment as Chief Nurse Officer at the Victorian Department of Health!

The College of Emergency Nursing Australasia is so proud to have Emma as a Board member. She brings a thoughtful and practical perspective, and a genuine commitment to the profession. We know she will make a strong impact in this role!

Emma is a highly respected leader with deep experience across Victoria’s public and community health systems, and an amazing track record in driving reform, strengthening the workforce and improving patient outcomes.

Her contribution at both a state and national level has been significant, including her role in shaping Australia’s first National Nursing Workforce Strategy and representing Australia through the Global Nursing Leadership Institute. She steps into the role at an important time for the profession, with ongoing workforce pressures and system challenges requiring strong, considered leadership.

We also want to acknowledge and thank Karrie Long for her leadership and contribution as Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer.

Congratulations Emma, and thank you Karrie!

Welcome to 5 Minute Fridays! Check out the resource and share your thoughts and experiences below! If you would like to ...
09/04/2026

Welcome to 5 Minute Fridays! Check out the resource and share your thoughts and experiences below!

If you would like to share this resource with your colleagues, head over to www.cena.org.au/education/5-minute-fridays/ to download a copy. Alternatively, share on social media using the hashtag

If you've got more food for thought or would like to request a topic, email your 5 Minute Friday suggestions to cenaeducator@cena.org.au.

Happy Friday!

🧵 CENA Suturing Study Day – Kyneton, VIC 🧵Join us for a hands-on, one-day suturing workshop designed for nurses wanting ...
09/04/2026

🧵 CENA Suturing Study Day – Kyneton, VIC 🧵
Join us for a hands-on, one-day suturing workshop designed for nurses wanting to build confidence in wound assessment and wound closure techniques.
Led by an experienced Nurse Practitioner, this practical session covers:
✔️ Wound assessment & management
✔️ Simple interrupted & mattress sutures
✔️ All suturing equipment provided

📅 Date: Friday 15 May 2026
🕘 Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
📍 Location: Kyneton Bowling Club, 61–79 Mollison Street, Kyneton VIC
💰 Cost: Members – $192 | Non-members – $288
🥪 Morning tea & lunch included
📚 CPD: 6 hours
👉 Register now:
https://www.cena.org.au/calendar/
Places are limited - secure your spot today!

09/04/2026

This month’s CENA Pulse Point highlights one of the most valuable rapid assessment tools in paediatric emergency care - the Paediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT).
The PAT allows clinicians to gain an immediate, hands‑off snapshot of how unwell a child is, often within seconds of first contact. It helps prioritise care, identify deterioration early, and guide urgent decision‑making in the ED.

The PAT assesses three key domains:
🔺 Appearance: Tone, interactiveness, consolability, eye contact, speech/cry
🔺 Work of Breathing: Retractions, nasal flaring, abnormal sounds, positioning
🔺 Circulation to the Skin: Pallor, mottling, cyanosis, capillary refill

One abnormal arm = cause for concern
Two or more abnormal = a critically unwell child until proven otherwise

Simple, fast, and highly reliable, the PAT is a cornerstone of safe paediatric assessment in emergency care.

🔗 Learn more and explore CENA education: www.cena.org.au

References:
Queensland Health – Rapid Assessment
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/179727/rapid-assessment.pdf

Don’t Forget the Bubbles – Paediatric Assessment Triangle
https://dontforgetthebubbles.com/the-paediatric-assessment-triangle/

The CENA Trauma Nursing Program (TNP) is coming to Launceston this May!📅 Dates: 23–24 May 2026⏱ Duration: Two-day, face-...
06/04/2026

The CENA Trauma Nursing Program (TNP) is coming to Launceston this May!

📅 Dates: 23–24 May 2026
⏱ Duration: Two-day, face-to-face workshop

Designed for nurses providing emergency and trauma care across the lifespan, the CENA TNP builds on your existing knowledge to enhance:
✅ Trauma assessment and prioritisation
✅ Evidence-based trauma management
✅ Clinical confidence in both metropolitan and regional/rural settings

Why join the CENA TNP?
✔ CPD-aligned learning supporting AHPRA requirements
✔ Interactive workshops led by expert emergency and trauma nurse educators
✔ Trauma simulations, small group discussions and applied learning
✔ Pre-course online learning plus a comprehensive trauma nursing manual
✔ Suitable for all experience levels – from novice to advanced clinicians

💰 Course fees:
• CENA Members: $769
• Non-members: $999

🔗 Register here:
👉 https://www.cena.org.au/calendar/

Welcome to 5 Minute Fridays! Check out the resource and share your thoughts and experiences below! Over the coming month...
02/04/2026

Welcome to 5 Minute Fridays! Check out the resource and share your thoughts and experiences below!

Over the coming months, we will intermittently look at the 4 Hs and 4 Ts one at a time - using an evidence-informed, clinically focused approach to highlight why each is included, how it contributes to cardiac arrest, and where timely intervention can change patient outcomes.

If you would like to share this resource with your colleagues, head over to www.cena.org.au/education/5-minute-fridays/ to download a copy. Alternatively, share on social media using the hashtag

If you've got more food for thought or would like to request a topic, email your 5 Minute Friday suggestions to cenaeducator@cena.org.au.

Happy Friday!

This June marks 30 years in nursing for Di Bissett, including 25 years in the emergency department and more than two dec...
01/04/2026

This June marks 30 years in nursing for Di Bissett, including 25 years in the emergency department and more than two decades shaping the next generation of nurses through education.

From clinical roles at Eastern Health’s Box Hill Hospital to senior clinical nurse educator, Di has built a career grounded in both practice and teaching. Now in a project role, she still picks up shifts in ED to stay connected to the frontline.

A career highlight has been supporting learners and staff over many years and watching them grow as critical thinkers. In 2018, she also presented at the College of Emergency Nursing Australasia national conference.

Her advice for nurses starting out in emergency care is simple but powerful: Learn from your patients. Ask for help and escalate early. Always think worst case scenario and make it safe.

After 30 years, Di continues to contribute to the strength and future of the CENA community.

🌟 Elevate Your Trauma Nursing Skills in Darwin | April 21–22, 2026!The CENA Trauma Nursing Program (TNP) is coming to Da...
31/03/2026

🌟 Elevate Your Trauma Nursing Skills in Darwin | April 21–22, 2026!
The CENA Trauma Nursing Program (TNP) is coming to Darwin for a two‑day, high‑impact learning experience designed for nurses across all levels of trauma and emergency care. This nationally recognised program strengthens trauma assessment, prioritisation, and management skills through evidence‑based education, interactive workshops, and simulation‑focused learning.

The course is suitable for everyone from nurses new to trauma care to experienced clinicians looking to refine and refresh their practice.

📅 Dates
21–22 April 2026

📍 Location
Darwin

🎟️ Register Now
Secure your place via the CENA events calendar:
www.cena.org.au/calendar/

💡 Why Attend?
Build on your existing clinical knowledge with a nationally consistent, high‑quality trauma education program.

Participate in two days of hands‑on workshops led by experienced emergency and trauma nurse educators.

Access pre‑course learning modules, the CENA TNP Manual, and ongoing Linked Learning resources to support your CPD and clinical practice.

This is a standout opportunity to grow your trauma expertise and connect with colleagues committed to excellence in emergency nursing.

Last week, the College of Emergency Nursing Australasia brought together board members, state committee representatives ...
31/03/2026

Last week, the College of Emergency Nursing Australasia brought together board members, state committee representatives and supporting staff for a strategic planning day in Melbourne to map out the next three years.

The nursing sector is changing rapidly, with increasing pressures across workforce, demand and care delivery. As the voice of emergency nursing, it’s critical that CENA continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of care.

The day focused on setting a clear direction - strengthening our advocacy, building our research capability, supporting our workforce, and deepening community and connection across the sector.

A great opportunity to come together, share perspectives and talk about what’s next for CENA!

We’re looking forward to the work ahead and to sharing new and expanded initiatives with members that support them and their careers.

Address

PO BOX 7345, Beaumaris
Melbourne, VIC
3193

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when College of Emergency Nursing Australasia posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to College of Emergency Nursing Australasia:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category