Lucy is a next gen nurse, educator, and advocate for early career leadership with a strong focus on advancing nursing competence. As an ACN Fellow, Lucy brings over 9 years of experience in paediatric nursing and is currently working with Federation University to drive change in mental health recruitment and education. Her passion for supporting the next generation of nurses is evident through her leadership roles, including Chair of Next Gen and her involvement in the Early Nurse Leaders (ENL) program. Lucy’s academic pursuits reflect her commitment to innovation in nursing. She is currently completing her PhD on nursing competence assessment, building on her Honours in Research and a Post Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Emergency Nursing. Her educational journey is driven by her belief in the importance of rigorous, evidence-based practice in shaping future nursing leaders. Throughout her career, Lucy has remained focused on empowering early-career nurses, guiding them through the challenges of transitioning into leadership roles. Her work not only impacts the development of nursing education and practice but also strengthens the foundation for future generations of nurses to thrive in dynamic healthcare environments.