Planetary health is essential in nursing, emphasising the interconnectedness of human and environmental health through education and advocacy. It is defined as understanding the complex relationships between human activities and climate change. The focus of planetary health is on solutions that minimise human disruptions to Earth’s natural systems. By addressing these challenges, nurses can play…
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…
Overview Clinical Supervision is an effective professional support strategy for nurses and midwives contributing to professional development and health and wellbeing of the workforce. Midwives and nurses are encouraged to seek out and learn about Clinical Supervision. Clinical Supervision is increasingly recognised as a core component of professional support for contemporary nursing and midwifery practice.…
Overview The proportion of children above a healthy weight continues to rise. Nurses can identify children at-risk, educate families and combat weight stigma. Nurse-led interventions are flexible, cost-effective and have proven effective in various settings. Supporting nurses with training, resources, and leadership opportunities is crucial to optimise impact. ACN Factsheet – Working with children above…
Overview Australia’s adoption of a nationwide Standardised Nursing Terminology (SNT) system would enable nursing’s contribution to healthcare to be more visible, to generate more insights, leading to best practice and an increase in the body of nursing knowledge. The SNT would allow healthcare practitioners, regardless of their location or healthcare system, to understand exactly what…
Overview AI’s role in health care is poised to expand exponentially in the coming years. AI is becoming more advanced, accurate, practical, effective, efficient, and economical for nursing care providing the nursing profession with opportunities while also adding pressure to apply AI technology in patient care. The key issues for the nursing profession surrounding AI…
View Fullscreen More resources White Paper Value-based health care through nursing leadership (Abridged) 31 May 2022 Position Statement Optimising person and family-centred end-of-life care during a pandemic 8 October 2020 Position Statement Palliative and end-of-life care in aged care: A response to the findings of the Royal Commission into aged care quality and safety 1…
Overview Modern slavery, encompassing human trafficking, forced labour, forced marriage, and sexual exploitation, affects an estimated 40.3 million people globally. Despite a common misconception that modern slavery is limited to developing countries, it is a worldwide issue, with Australia also affected. Nurses, as frontline healthcare workers, are crucial in identifying and protecting victims and vulnerable…
Overview The Australian College of Nursing emphasises the importance of specialised qualifications for nurses working in maternal, child, and family health nursing (MCFHN) to ensure high-quality, expert care. While recognising the distinct roles of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Midwives (RMs), ACN advocates for RNs with specialized qualifications in MCFHN, underscoring the significance of their…
Overview Australia is grappling with a significant child maltreatment crisis, highlighted by the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study, which found 62.2% of children and youth experiencing maltreatment, leading to potential mental health problems, behavioural harms and health-risk behaviours. This position statement underscores the necessity for a public health approach to child abuse and neglect. It…