The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is reminding the nursing profession of how highly Australians respect their advice and of their obligation to provide unbiased clinical evidence to enable patients to make their own informed decision.
“Nurses are viewed as the most ethical and honest profession in Australia, and we are very proud of the trust the community has in us,” Australian College of Nursing Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward said.
“We must ensure we do not damage this reputation by providing anything but the most clinically up-to-date information to our patients.”
Adjunct Professor Ward’s comments follow recent public debate around vaccination.
“ACN has adopted the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Policy: Vaccination and Immunisation for Nurses and Midwives,” Adjunct Professor Ward explained.
“Immunisation is a key factor in protecting Australians from disease and preventing the spread of disease. Nurses have a significant role in making sure all people making immunisation decisions, including parents, have access to authoritative, evidence based information.
“In the wake of recent questions about the validity of vaccination, patients will be turning to their nurse even more than usual for help with decision-making.”
ACN offers a number of training courses to keep nurse abreast of best practice. The next course is scheduled for 29 March 2017 (see www.acn.edu.au/immunisation-best-practice-review-part-1-whats-new-and-overcoming-challenges).
To view the ANMF’s policy on vaccination and immunisation, click here.
