Laurelea Bickhoff from the University of Newcastle (Ourimbah campus) has been awarded one of five positions to participate in the Emerging Nurse Leader Program. The Emerging Nurse Leader Program is an initiative of The College of Nursing and aims to identify nursing students with a passion for the profession and the capacity to inspire their peers.

As one of five emerging nurse leaders, Laurelea has received membership of the College of Nursing, access to a mentor, development opportunities and exposure to some of the best minds in the profession and across the wider business community.

Laurelea attended the official launch of the program on Wednesday 23rd of November at Vaucluse House in Sydney along with four other nursing students from around Australia. Laurelea was introduced to The College of Nursing board of directors who talked with her about nurse leadership, understanding the needs of the profession and the goals of individuals and groups who aim to ensure a voice for the nursing profession into the future.

Following the launch, Laurelea met with the NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner and early next year is planning to visit Canberra to meet with the Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon to learn more about nursing policy and direction.

Alongside her role as an emerging nurse leader, Laurelea is currently completing the second year of a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Laurelea hopes to work in emergency care and disaster nursing upon completing her undergraduate studies and is looking forward to further postgraduate study to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Laurelea has also recently returned from the 7th Asia Pacific Alliance of Health Leaders (APAHL) forum hosted by the Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences at Chiang Mai University in Northern Thailand.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery congratulates Laurelea on her success and looks forward to hearing more about her experiences as part of the Emerging Nurse Leader Program.