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
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. RCNA moved from Melbourne to Canberra to be closer to the political issues impacting the nursing profession.
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.
Purpose/Values/Mission:
RCNA’s vision is to be a leading organisation that inspires, progresses and promotes the profession of nursing. In doing this, the organisation works hard to stay true to core values which include ethics, advocacy and excellence. RCNA aims to benefit the health of the Australian community through research, promotion and recognition of professional excellence in nursing. This is done in the following ways:
- representing the professional needs of our growing, substantial membership base
- influencing policy development and formation
- advocating and advising on issues relevant to nursing
- facilitating lifelong learning through a national professional development program
- providing services that support the professional development of nursing
- promoting and supporting the extended network of nursing
Governance:
RCNA is governed by a 12 member Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is comprised of one registered nurse member from each state and territory (8), one enrolled nurse (1), two external directors (2) and the Chief Executive Officer of RCNA (1)
Contact:
RCNA
PO BOX 219
Deakin West ACT 2600
Tel: 1800 061 660
Website: www.rcna.org.au