School Nurses Handbook
APNA developed this handbook to support school nurses. It serves as a comprehensive tool, guiding them in best practice guidelines, evidence-based practices and providing essential resources.
Festival of Nursing
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The Festival of Nursing has always been about bringing nurses together. But in 2026, we’re taking it to the next level: it will be bolder and more practical than ever, designed to deliver the CPD every nurse needs. Plus, gain leadership skills and fresh thinking to help shape our profession’s future.
Join us in Melbourne, from Thursday, 30 July to Saturday, 1 August 2026, for three days of education, connection and inspiration – curated by expert nurses for nurses.
Register now!
(APNA Members save up to $190 on tickets! Not a member yet? Join now for as low as $28 per month!)
Your registration includes admission to the 2026 Festival of Nursing. The following add-ons are ticketed separately:
Workshops Social events Experiences
You asked, we listened
In 2026, you can tailor your Festival journey to be all that you want it to be and more – with your needs, interests, budget and availability in mind.
This year we are offering single day, 2-day and 3-day passes for purchase!
Plus, for the first time, our workshops are being delivered throughout the 3-day program. So, this year you can attend just one, a few or all six workshops if you choose! (...or elect to not attend any workshops if you prefer.)
Please note: workshops are being ticketed separately and can be added to your registration when booking. If you select a single day or 2-day pass, you can only book to attend the workshops being delivered on the days you have selected on your registration.
Bundle your workshops and save.
See WorkshopsWhat will be different in 2026?
Bigger focus on practical skills
with workshops throughout the three-day program on topics like CPR, ECGs, wound management, chronic conditions management, mental health and leadership.
Deeper streams, better choices
dive into prevention, explore the latest in immunisation across the lifetime or get in-depth with wound solutions.
Future-focused keynotes
from designated RN prescribing to AI in health care, you’ll hear directly from leaders on what’s next for nursing.
Curated by expert nurses
every session is designed for nurses – grounded in real-world practice and relevance.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your knowledge, master new clinical skills or connect with fellow nurses shaping the future, the Festival of Nursing 2026 is the place to be.
Elevating nurses, transforming care.
Don’t miss it!
Don’t miss it!
Ticket Pricing
| APNA Member Pricing | Non-Member Pricing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 3 Day | 2 Day | 1 Day | 3 Day | 2 Day | 1 Day |
| Standard | $755 | $639 | $339 | $945 | $769 | $409 |
| Last Chance | $919 | $779 | $415 | $1,115 | $935 | $499 |
If you have any questions or need assistance with your registration, please reach out to APNA's conference coordination partner, The Conference Group at info@theconferencegroup.com.au or on 1300 606 707.
Watch highlights from past years
Need assistance to fund your Festival ticket?
Letter to your manager:
You can copy the below for a draft letter to send straight to your manager, click 'compose email' to do copy this into your email client
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request your support to attend the Festival of Nursing 2026, hosted by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA). This annual event is Australia’s leading education-focused conference for primary health care nurses, designed to strengthen clinical knowledge, build leadership skills, and provide hands-on practical training.
The 2026 program includes:
- keynotes on nurse-led care, prescribing, and the future of AI in health
- conference streams covering prevention, immunisation, wound care, chronic conditions management, and more
- skills-based workshops offering practical, hands-on learning directly applicable to daily practice
- opportunities to earn up to 20 CPD hours, fulfilling annual professional development requirements
- networking with peers and experts from across the country, sharing insights that can be applied in our workplace.
I believe attending this event will directly benefit both my professional development and our team. The knowledge and skills gained will enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and ensure we stay aligned with best practice in primary health care. I am committed to sharing key learnings with colleagues upon my return to maximise the value of this investment.
The cost of attendance is [$insert ticket cost], and I respectfully request that the organisation cover this expense.
Thank you for considering my request. I am confident this opportunity will deliver significant value to both myself and our care.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Keen for more? Check out our Events calendar and subscribe to The Connect.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
You can add APNA-Member Professional Indemnity Insurance to your membership, when you join APNA.