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Royal College of Nursing, Australia—the first 60 years
Collegian (2009) 16, 163—164
available at www.sciencedirect.com
EDITORIAL
Royal College of Nursing, Australia—– the first 60 years It has officially been 60 years since the establishment of RCNA, and we have been celebrating this milestone in various ways throughout the year. We have also been taking the opportunity to revisit and reflect on the journey of RCNA and to trace the colourful history, the achievements, the people, places and events that have helped RCNA develop and progress into the influential peak professional organisation it is today. I would like to take the opportunity in this space to share some of these with you, as well as explore how our history has set RCNA in good stead to continue to inspire, progress and promote the profession of nursing, well into the future. History is not just about the past—–it is also a foundation on which we continue to build the stories that define us. History is a point we look back to in order to measure how far we have come, and a pilot light that helps guide our decisions for the future as we apply the benefit of hindsight to the outcomes and impact of the decisions made before us. As we look back over the last 60 years of RCNA, we learn that while the functions of organisation have evolved, the fundamentals and the bold vision has remained the same. Originally christened the College of Nursing, Australia (CNA), RCNA started out as an educational institution that offered postgraduate nursing courses, beginning with diplomas in ward management, nursing administration and education. As this was a first for nursing education in Australia, the CNA offered nurses a significant opportunity to enhance their skills and career opportunities, preparing them for positions as nurse leaders and educators. The College was founded in 1949 by some ambitious, determined and visionary women. These women wanted to see more opportunities for women and to establish further educational opportunities for Australian nurses in their own country. The CNA’s first director was Patricia Chomley. As was necessary for the College’s first leader, Pat was driven, resourceful and a brilliant problem-solver. These characteristics are evident in the way she overcame some serious hurdles in the beginning. For one, she needed to recruit academic staff at a time when qualified educators in Aus-
tralia were scarce, and for another, she needed to sell the concept of further education for nurses when there were no other opportunities like it in Australia at the time. She did so, with great success. By 1964, the CNA had enrolled 226 students and had awarded 161 diplomas in Australia, as well as 14 diplomas overseas. Pat’s example has inspired a strong, continuing theme of professional leadership that we can trace throughout RCNA’s history. This characteristic is not only evident in the individuals that succeeded Pat as directors of the College, but also in the nurses that RCNA has represented and continues to represent through its membership. Throughout RCNA’s history, the College has attracted strong and ambitious nurses who have also proven to be dedicated and passionate about driving the nursing profession forward. The contribution of our members has played no small part in RCNA’s enduring success. Over time, RCNA has needed to re-evaluate its purpose and adjust its activities accordingly. The main transformation over that time was undertaken when RCNA ceased offering formal education packages and redirected its energies to professional activities. This shift in direction was accompanied by a physical shift, which saw the College move from Melbourne to Canberra. RCNA’s new challenge was to set itself up as a key player in the professional arena and to gain kudos and recognition as an important advisory body for the nursing profession. This meant seeking collaborative agreements with other health and nursing organisations and seeking opportunities to be represented on key committees and inquiries. Such a major transformation posed a significant risk but once again, under smart direction, the transition was a success. It is worth noting that within a single year, RCNA had become the national representative of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). And so, what have we learnt by reflecting on the first 60 years of our existence as a nursing organisation ? Firstly, it has been rewarding and inspiring to remember the dedication and persistence of RCNA’s presidents and directors to achieve their often daring goals for the benefit of nursing
1322-7696/$ — see front matter © 2009 Published by Elsevier Australia (a division of Reed International Books Australia Pty Ltd) on behalf of Royal College of Nursing, Australia.
doi:10.1016/j.colegn.2009.10.002
164 in Australia. It has been a sobering reminder of how much an individual with an ambition can achieve, and the huge potential an ambition has to change and shape the health care landscape. For me, it has once again reminded me what a privilege it is to be part of such a smart, fearless organisation that, despite remaining a small entity, has always been determined to make a difference. It is my privilege to continue the RCNA story and to reach for the goal that has always remained our sole purpose—–to benefit and advance the profession of nursing and the health of the Australian community. Those leading the organisation today ; the current Board of Directors, the executive team, RCNA members and I still carry the same fire in our bellies that characterised those who came before us. This year, with the release of our new Strategic Plan, we have new words to encompass this ambition. That is, we will be the leading organisation that inspires, progresses and promotes the profession of nurs-
Editorial ing. Like those before us, we know that with initiative, with a lot of courage, and with an unwavering sense of purpose, we will succeed. There is one more important thing I have learnt from our history as an organisation. That is, that so much positive change can occur in only 60 years, and that this is just the first chapter of RCNA’s history. I am absolutely confident that the next 60 years will see many more important changes and developments for the nursing profession, and that RCNA will remain at the forefront, guiding the profession forward with that same dedication, single-mindedness and initiative that has come to define who we are as an organisation. Debra Y Cerasa, FRCNA Chief Executive Officer Royal College of Nursing, Australia
available at www.sciencedirect.com
EDITORIAL
Royal College of Nursing, Australia—– the first 60 years It has officially been 60 years since the establishment of RCNA, and we have been celebrating this milestone in various ways throughout the year. We have also been taking the opportunity to revisit and reflect on the journey of RCNA and to trace the colourful history, the achievements, the people, places and events that have helped RCNA develop and progress into the influential peak professional organisation it is today. I would like to take the opportunity in this space to share some of these with you, as well as explore how our history has set RCNA in good stead to continue to inspire, progress and promote the profession of nursing, well into the future. History is not just about the past—–it is also a foundation on which we continue to build the stories that define us. History is a point we look back to in order to measure how far we have come, and a pilot light that helps guide our decisions for the future as we apply the benefit of hindsight to the outcomes and impact of the decisions made before us. As we look back over the last 60 years of RCNA, we learn that while the functions of organisation have evolved, the fundamentals and the bold vision has remained the same. Originally christened the College of Nursing, Australia (CNA), RCNA started out as an educational institution that offered postgraduate nursing courses, beginning with diplomas in ward management, nursing administration and education. As this was a first for nursing education in Australia, the CNA offered nurses a significant opportunity to enhance their skills and career opportunities, preparing them for positions as nurse leaders and educators. The College was founded in 1949 by some ambitious, determined and visionary women. These women wanted to see more opportunities for women and to establish further educational opportunities for Australian nurses in their own country. The CNA’s first director was Patricia Chomley. As was necessary for the College’s first leader, Pat was driven, resourceful and a brilliant problem-solver. These characteristics are evident in the way she overcame some serious hurdles in the beginning. For one, she needed to recruit academic staff at a time when qualified educators in Aus-
tralia were scarce, and for another, she needed to sell the concept of further education for nurses when there were no other opportunities like it in Australia at the time. She did so, with great success. By 1964, the CNA had enrolled 226 students and had awarded 161 diplomas in Australia, as well as 14 diplomas overseas. Pat’s example has inspired a strong, continuing theme of professional leadership that we can trace throughout RCNA’s history. This characteristic is not only evident in the individuals that succeeded Pat as directors of the College, but also in the nurses that RCNA has represented and continues to represent through its membership. Throughout RCNA’s history, the College has attracted strong and ambitious nurses who have also proven to be dedicated and passionate about driving the nursing profession forward. The contribution of our members has played no small part in RCNA’s enduring success. Over time, RCNA has needed to re-evaluate its purpose and adjust its activities accordingly. The main transformation over that time was undertaken when RCNA ceased offering formal education packages and redirected its energies to professional activities. This shift in direction was accompanied by a physical shift, which saw the College move from Melbourne to Canberra. RCNA’s new challenge was to set itself up as a key player in the professional arena and to gain kudos and recognition as an important advisory body for the nursing profession. This meant seeking collaborative agreements with other health and nursing organisations and seeking opportunities to be represented on key committees and inquiries. Such a major transformation posed a significant risk but once again, under smart direction, the transition was a success. It is worth noting that within a single year, RCNA had become the national representative of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). And so, what have we learnt by reflecting on the first 60 years of our existence as a nursing organisation ? Firstly, it has been rewarding and inspiring to remember the dedication and persistence of RCNA’s presidents and directors to achieve their often daring goals for the benefit of nursing
1322-7696/$ — see front matter © 2009 Published by Elsevier Australia (a division of Reed International Books Australia Pty Ltd) on behalf of Royal College of Nursing, Australia.
doi:10.1016/j.colegn.2009.10.002
164 in Australia. It has been a sobering reminder of how much an individual with an ambition can achieve, and the huge potential an ambition has to change and shape the health care landscape. For me, it has once again reminded me what a privilege it is to be part of such a smart, fearless organisation that, despite remaining a small entity, has always been determined to make a difference. It is my privilege to continue the RCNA story and to reach for the goal that has always remained our sole purpose—–to benefit and advance the profession of nursing and the health of the Australian community. Those leading the organisation today ; the current Board of Directors, the executive team, RCNA members and I still carry the same fire in our bellies that characterised those who came before us. This year, with the release of our new Strategic Plan, we have new words to encompass this ambition. That is, we will be the leading organisation that inspires, progresses and promotes the profession of nurs-
Editorial ing. Like those before us, we know that with initiative, with a lot of courage, and with an unwavering sense of purpose, we will succeed. There is one more important thing I have learnt from our history as an organisation. That is, that so much positive change can occur in only 60 years, and that this is just the first chapter of RCNA’s history. I am absolutely confident that the next 60 years will see many more important changes and developments for the nursing profession, and that RCNA will remain at the forefront, guiding the profession forward with that same dedication, single-mindedness and initiative that has come to define who we are as an organisation. Debra Y Cerasa, FRCNA Chief Executive Officer Royal College of Nursing, Australia