International Nurses Day: Honouring the Nurses Changing the Endometriosis Story in Australia

Nurses are often at the forefront of care, supporting the 1 in 7 Australians living with Endometriosis by the age of 44-49.  We honour them this International Nurses Day.

From city hospitals to remote clinics, nurses are often the first point of contact, the persistent advocates, and the compassionate listeners in the endometriosis journey. Their role is pivotal — especially when early diagnosis, empathetic care, and clear pathways to treatment are still out of reach for too many Australians. 

Real Stories. Real Impact. 

Meet Amelia — one of the incredible nurses participating in the Endometriosis Nurse Scholarship Program, a groundbreaking initiative delivered in partnership with the Australian College of Nursing  (ACN). After completing a 10-week specialised training module in endometriosis and pelvic pain, Amelia now provides more timely, informed, and compassionate care to patients navigating life with this chronic condition. 

As someone who has lived with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain for more than 20 years, the course was deeply personal for Amelia.  

“It helped me connect my lived experience with clinical knowledge, giving me the tools to offer not just improved clinical care, but real empathy, validation, and advocacy for others going through the same journey.  

One of the biggest takeaways was understanding how complex and far reaching the impact of endometriosis is, not just physically, but emotionally and socially. 

“The scholarship gave me the confidence and tools to really advocate for my patients. I now recognise symptoms earlier, can guide women through the system more effectively, and help them feel heard. That’s what really matters.” 

Amelia is not alone. Across the country, nurses are stepping into new roles as endometriosis specialists thanks to this program — delivering evidence-based care, shortening diagnosis times, and making a measurable difference in the lives of people with endo. 

Why Nursing Support Is Critical in the Endo Space 

Despite affecting more than 830,000 Australians, endometriosis is still too often misdiagnosed, dismissed, or misunderstood. On average, it takes 6.5 years to receive a diagnosis. For those in rural or remote communities, that delay can be even longer. 

That’s where nurses come in. As highly skilled and trusted healthcare professionals, nurses have the power to spot the early signs of endometriosis and escalate care more effectively. They listen without judgment. They coordinate referrals, explain treatment options, and offer reassurance through what can be an exhausting and isolating journey. 

But until recently, few nurses had access to training specific to endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. That’s why, in May 2024, Endometriosis Australia and ACN launched the Endometriosis Nurse Scholarship Program — the first of its kind in the country. 

About the Endometriosis Nurse Scholarship Program 

The Endometriosis Nurse Scholarship is a fully funded, 10-week training program developed and delivered by the Australian College of Nursing . It equips nurses with the clinical knowledge and practical tools to improve care for people living with endometriosis and pelvic pain. 

Since its launch, 15 scholarships have been awarded to nurses across Australia, with five more available for the July 2025 intake. Each scholarship, valued at $2,900, is funded entirely through donations from generous individuals, communities, and supporters who understand how crucial early intervention and access to informed care truly are. 

By funding this training, Endometriosis Australia aims to reach an ambitious goal: place 100 specialised endometriosis nurses by 2026 in regional, rural, and remote areas where access to care is most urgently needed. 

Because where you live should not determine how soon — or how well — you receive care. 

Meet Some of the Nurses Making a Difference 

These are just a few of the remarkable professionals helping shift the endometriosis landscape in Australia: 

Susan – NSW 

A registered nurse and midwife with 22 years of experience, Susan is the Clinical Lead at an Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic within NSW Health. She’s passionate about empowering women through education and providing holistic, evidence-based care. 

“Training through the scholarship gave me a deeper understanding of the psychosocial impact of endo,” Susan shares. “It’s helped me offer more compassionate, tailored support to each patient I see.” 

Cynthia – VIC 

Based in regional Victoria, Cynthia has more than 30 years of experience in sexual and reproductive health. The scholarship has helped her expand her clinical toolkit, enabling her to better manage chronic pelvic pain and support her patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing. 

“Many of the women I see have spent years trying to find answers. Being able to validate their experiences and offer real solutions is incredibly powerful,” says Cynthia. 

Rachael – NT 

Rachael works in Nauiyu, a remote community in the Northern Territory, where healthcare access is limited and the need is high. She is especially focused on supporting Indigenous women, who often face additional barriers to care. 

“This training has allowed me to offer culturally appropriate care and start important conversations that might not otherwise happen,” Rachael explains. “It’s more than clinical knowledge — it’s about building trust.” 

A Step Toward Health Equity 

Endometriosis doesn’t discriminate — but access to care often does. People living in rural and remote communities face greater hurdles in finding specialists, receiving a timely diagnosis, and accessing effective treatment. For Indigenous Australians, these barriers can be even more complex. 

The Endometriosis Nurse Scholarship program directly addresses this inequality by bringing expert, local care to the communities that need it most. 

“We know many Australians are living with undiagnosed endometriosis for years, especially in rural and remote areas,” says Monica Forlano, Chair of Endometriosis Australia. “Having access to an endo nurse can dramatically improve the journey from symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.” 

This program is a lifeline for those living with chronic pain, unanswered questions, and little support. It’s also a testament to the power of nurses — and the belief that healthcare should be compassionate, equitable, and informed. 

How You Can Help 

Endometriosis Australia is committed to funding 100 nurses through this program — but we can’t do it without your support. Each scholarship is powered by community donations, going  toward training a nurse who will change lives. 

A donation of $2,900 fully funds one scholarship. But every contribution, no matter the size, helps move us closer to a future where every Australian living with endo has access to informed, empathetic care.