Balancing clinical duties with management responsibilities is a core challenge for Nurse Unit Managers (NUMs). While many nurses step into leadership roles with strong clinical expertise, the shift to managing teams, resources, and operations requires a new set of skills. The Nurse Unit Manager Leadership Program, delivered by the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Institute…
Eczema is a common condition affecting 1 in 10 Australians. Often viewed as a minor condition or allergy that is easily diagnosed and easily treated – the reality for many people living with eczema is somewhat different and more complex, and many health professionals are unaware of the realities of life for those affected. The…
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) welcomes the Prime Minister’s $8 billion plan to cut out-of-pocket health care costs for consumers, but says it is only a short-term fix to the problems plaguing the health care sector. “Nurses see first-hand how poor access to timely primary health care can lead to more serious conditions that…
Overview Vaping is an emerging and evolving public health issue. Currently, health experts, researchers, and authorities are working to ascertain the long-term health consequences of vaping. The full risks remain unknown. What is known is that the promoted idea that vaping is safer than smoking has led to the proliferation of non-therapeutic vapes which target…
Health Minister’s Award for Nursing Trailblazers 2025 Nominations are now open for the Health Minister’s Award for Nursing Trailblazers, which is coordinated by the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). Established in partnership with the Australian Government, the Health Minister’s Award for Nursing Trailblazers highlights the pivotal role nurses play in driving health care innovation. The…
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) condemns racism of any kind. ACN wishes to reassure the community that nursing professionals are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and care for patients, regardless of differences in political views. Nurses are among the most trusted of professional groups, and the idea of harming patients or…
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) supports the Federal Government’s primary health care careers campaign as an exciting and important first step in revitalising the primary health care workforce, including recognising the vital role of nurses and midwives. “The campaign shows just how varied nursing roles in the primary health care sector can be —…
Australia’s healthcare system is under immense pressure, with workforce shortages, increasing patient demands, and a growing burden on existing resources. As the backbone of health care, nurses play a critical role in addressing these challenges. Their extensive education, expertise, and the trust they hold with patients position them uniquely to deliver timely, high-quality care across…
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a condition is classified as a rare disease if it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people in a given WHO region. A recent Lancet Global Health editorial (2024) highlights that there are over 7,000 rare diseases, collectively affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide. In Australia, an estimated…
Image: Left to right – Jennifer Harland MACN, Linda Wigginton and Amy Faden MACN At ACN, we value the insights and experiences of our Affiliate Members. Being an ACN Affiliate Member is more than just a relationship; it is about forming connections, supporting each other, and advancing the industry for our nurses, students, and healthcare…