We are powerful individually, but unstoppable together

We are committed to ensuring that the expertise and experiences of nurses are represented in policy development throughout the Australian health and aged care system.

Fellows and Members of ACN are regularly invited to participate in consultations on a broad range of clinical, professional and health policy issues. Opportunities to contribute to ACN submissions are advertised through our monthly eNewsletter and by direct communication with members.

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Nurses and Violence Taskforce

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is committed to supporting and promoting safe work environments while improving policy and processes to eradicate occupational violence against nurses. The unacceptable experience of occupational violence against nurses is widespread. ACN does not accept this risk to nurses and will work tirelessly to support the introduction of legislation and initiatives that will ensure our workplaces are safe for the nursing profession.

In 2021, ACN established the Nurses and Violence Taskforce designed to develop policy and support advocacy.

Nurses and Violence Taskforce - Australian College of Nursing

COVID-19 Workforce Solutions Expert Advisory Group

ACN has formed the COVID-19 Workforce Solutions Expert Advisory Group which is dedicated to removing barriers to nurses delivering care in the community and enable funding and resources that will allow nurses to provide care for people in their homes and via telehealth. You can learn how the group are fighting for nurses.

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Policy Chapters

Each Policy Chapter focuses on a specific issue and draws on the specialised skills and expertise of members of ACN and external stakeholders to work with and influence government and policy makers. We welcome returning Chapter members as well as new members who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their Chapters. We are very proud of the work that the Policy Chapters have produced in recent years and are excited by the work being undertaken this year. Our Policy Chapters in 2022 are:

  • Chronic Disease
  • Emissions Reduction
  • Workforce Sustainability

Policy and advocacy work

ACN is committed to ensuring that the expertise and experiences of nurses are represented in policy development throughout the Australian health and aged care system.

Policy Fellows

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is inviting applications from registered nurses to participate in the ACN Foundation Policy Fellows Program (the program). Launched in 2019 by the ACN Foundation, this is the first nursing specific health policy fellowship in Australia. The program has been designed to provide the next generation of nurse leaders with an understanding of the relationship between policy and improvements in health outcomes, with a particular focus on the nursing contribution.

The Fellowship requires a commitment of one year. During this time participants will be exposed to and engage with a range of thought leaders within and external to nursing. Supported by a mentor they will participate in an interactive structured program.

Applications closed.

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