The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is leading the way to empower nurses around the country to achieve the health and wellbeing they deserve. Nurses dedicate their lives to caring for others and often neglect looking after themselves in the process. We know how difficult it is to find the time to exercise, meal prep or even just take a moment to breath when you are doing shift work or working weekends. That’s why we have created the NurseStrong movement to encourage nurses to improve their physical, mental and emotional strength in a safe and supportive environment.

The only of its kind in Australia, the ACN Recognition of Service program is an ongoing initiative that recognises, honours and celebrates Australian nurses’ contribution, dedication, loyalty and longevity of service to the nursing profession and wider Australian community. Recognition of Service certificates are awarded to Australian nurses who have achieved 40 years of service or more upon their retirement. To be acknowledged nurses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a colleague.

Nursing Now is a three-year global awareness campaign which, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the International Council of Nurses, aims to raise the status and profile of nursing around the world. The initiative, which is patroned by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, works to empower nurses to take their place at the heart of tackling 21st Century health challenges.

The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, in conjunction with Australian College of Nursing, launched the inaugural Health Minister’s Award for Nursing Trailblazers in 2019. This award is the first of its kind in Australia and acknowledges the vital role nurses play in transforming our country’s health and aged care system.

Nursing has the solutions to many of the problems that plague our health and aged care systems. This prestigious award is bestowed upon a nurse who has demonstrated leadership to bring new thinking to a wide range of health care challenges.