Australian College of Nursing gifts $1,000,000 in scholarships to acknowledge nurses’ contribution to managing global pandemic

In a remarkable move, the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has gifted its members 1,000 scholarships to the value of $1,000,000, to complete a new course dedicated to advancing nurses’ leadership skills in the unique environments in which they work.

CEO of ACN Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said the decision to gift members scholarships to complete the ACN Leader’s Mindset Masterclass Series was inspired by wanting to acknowledge and thank nurses for their extraordinary contribution in the management of COVID-19, and the many feats nurses have conquered for the benefit of all Australians.

“2020 has tested nurses, health professionals and our health system in new ways. 

“Nurses all over Australia have been an instrumental part in Australia’s successful handling of the pandemic. 

“Nurse leadership is vital at every point along our health system to ensure information is delivered, teams are engaged, and the right outcomes are achieved. Lives literally depend on it.

“Whilst there are other leadership courses available, our new Masterclass Series is tailored to Nurse Leaders and the very specific scenarios and contexts in which they work.

“It was important to us, that we made this new Masterclass Series open and available to our members, to thank them, but to also support them in their important work. 

“We believe the ripple effect of these scholarships will help shape our health system for the better and for a long time to come,” said Ms Ward.

The ACN Leader’s Mindset Masterclass Series has been designed and inspired by the latest global research, theories, and practice in leadership. 

This online content specifically tailored to Nurse Leaders is designed to ignite leadership skills, provide practical modules of practice and hone leadership capabilities, giving Nurse Leaders the tools and knowledge to empower them personally and professionally. 

For more information and scholarship applications, visit http://leadership.acn.edu.au

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

INTERVIEWS

If you are interested in covering this story, interviews are available with:

Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, CEO of Australian College of Nursing 

CONTACTS

Please contact the following to arrange interviews, images or to get more information:

Mr Zac Smith

0401 544 138 

zac.smith@acn.edu.au 

THE AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING 

ACN are committed to advancing nurse leadership to enhance healthcare and strongly believe that all nurses, regardless of their job title or level of seniority, can be leaders.

By bringing together thousands of extraordinary nurses from across the country, ACN builds a strong collective voice for nursing and commands the respect and recognition the profession deserves.

ACN advocates on behalf of the nursing profession.

As a professional nursing organisation, ACN advocates at state and federal levels with Ministers and Health Departments and provides valuable insight and recommendations from a nursing perspective.  

The expertise of ACN’s members helps to shape healthcare and aged care policies.

ACN is an accredited higher education provider for qualified nurses. As an educational organisation, ACN’s postgraduate, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training courses are renowned for equipping nurses with further knowledge in their chosen specialty and extending their clinical skills. 

ACN specialises in nurse leadership education, courses and workshops. ACN also develops customised education courses to meet organisational training needs.

Website: www.acn.org.au 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/acnursing

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acn_tweet

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/australian-college-of-nursing/

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR KYLIE WARD FACN, CEO - AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING

Kylie Ward. Policy Reformer. Humanitarian. Visionary. Nurse. For-Purpose Leader. Equality Warrior. Adjunct Professor. Executive Coach. Mum. Transformation Specialist.  

Kylie’s story is grounded in service to others, vision for a greater future and a tenacity to get the job done. She breaks down walls, reframes the problems and then brings together the people needed to create long-lasting solutions.  

Kylie currently serves as the CEO of Australian College of Nursing (ACN). She has led a program of transformation at ACN, turning around membership numbers to increase revenue by 24%, membership by 30% and doubled student numbers - all within three years.  

ACN has now become Australia’s beacon for Nurse Leadership, with the power to forever transform what we expect from healthcare.  

She established the Australian College of Nursing Foundation (ACNF); launched Nurse Strong; promotes Men in Nursing; and has been instrumental in numerous policy campaigns from the removal of conversion therapy to the improvement of population health outcomes.  

She is a passionate advocate for women, working to empower them to reach their full potential in professional and personal spheres.  

Kylie has served on Senate Inquiries and gave evidence at the Aged Care Royal Commission of 2019.  

Kylie holds honorary academic appointments with five leading Australian Universities and was ministerially appointed to ADHA and NHMRC Health Translation Advisory Committee and won Telstra Businesswoman of the Year in ACT for Purpose and Social Enterprise in 2017

She has over 25 years’ experience in the Health and Aged Care Industry, including Public, Private and Not-For-Profit sectors and 20 years’ experience in Executive, Director and Senior Manager positions throughout Australia.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-ward-801a7213/

IMAGES
 

Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN 

 

Australian College of Nursing Logo 

 

Institute of Leadership – Image