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| Home : About RCNA : What is RCNA? |
About RCNA
Who are we?
Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) is Australia’s peak professional nursing organisation and is the Australian member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). RCNA is a national membership organisation open to nurses and nursing students in all areas of the profession.
RCNA contributes to the enhancement of the nursing profession in many ways, including:
- lobbying state and federal governments on issues of policy analysis, development and reform as they relate to the nursing profession
- supporting our members in their continuing professional development and ongoing education via RCNA conferences, workshops, events and through the RCNA Life Long Learning Program (3LP)
- keeping members up-to-date with critical issues affecting the nursing professions via RCNA publications, media releases and member-based communications
- administering over $20 million in Australian Government and RCNA-funded scholarships every year to address nursing workforce issues, promote the importance of professional development activities and create ongoing educational opportunities for nurses and nursing students across Australia
- creating excellent networking opportunities among the nursing community, including member-only Chapter groups and special interest National Networks
- offering a series of honours and awards to recognise excellence within the nursing profession
A brief history
RCNA was established in 1949, and was initially a provider of formal ongoing education for nurses who wished to gain higher qualifications in nursing. After the transfer of nursing to the higher education sector in 1993, RCNA’s focus shifted to professional development and policy analysis and development. The College moved from Melbourne to Canberra to be closer to the political issues impacting the nursing profession.
The international connection
In 1997, RCNA became the Australian member of ICN, creating an important link between Australian nurses and the global nursing community. As Australia’s member of ICN, RCNA represents Australia’s nurses in the development and reform of international nursing policy, and seeks to enhance and promote the nursing profession across the globe.
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RCNA Australian