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RCNA’s inaugural Nursing Summit has been one of our 2010 success stories.
The Hon. Nicola Roxon MP opened the summit, outlining the federal budget measures that will support the nursing profession, which was a great platform for ensuing discussion.
A key measure called for by delegates through the think tank sessions was for the federal government to develop a National Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Strategy.
Discussions at the summit highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to broaden the analysis of workforce issues that look beyond supply and demand for nurses and midwives.
RCNA also launched its New Generation of Nurses Faculty at the summit. This faculty is about embracing nurses early in their careers to enhance the diverse expertise of Australia’s peak professional nursing organisation. The faculty advisory committee’s first teleconference is coming up in July and I look forward to informing you of further developments.
At the AGM, the Board of Directors reported to members the results of a successful 2009, posting a moderate surplus of funds.
Amazingly, my fingers and toes are still attached despite spending a freezing night out in Canberra for the St. Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout to raise money and awareness about homelessness in Australia. It’s an event I will not easily forget. Thank you to my colleagues and nurses across Australia who supported me with donations and words of support. I raised over $2403 for this excellent cause.
Not only did I have the privilege of taking part in this worthy cause, but in the lead up to the event I was able to highlight the work of community and primary health care nurses, especially those working with these members of our communities.
To ensure I was well-informed about the work of nurses working with homeless clients, I spent a day with the Royal District Nursing Service’s Homeless Persons Program (RDNS HPP) in Melbourne. It was an absolute privilege to see first-hand the health services this brilliant team of nurses delivers to homeless people, and to be further reminded of how essential nurse-led primary health care programs are in Australia.
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