Australian nurses seize a collaborative model to shape the future with the International Council of Nurses

To showcase a successful collaborative model under the International Council of Nurses (ICN) membership models, which enables Australian nurses to more fully participate across all ICN activities.

When ICN approved new models of membership in 2001, Royal College of Nursing, Australia, saw an opportunity for creating greater unity for Australian nursing. The College had established an agreement nationally with the Australian Nursing Federation, the union, to maximize influence on national nursing policy. Flowing from the ICN's objective of inclusivity, a collaborative partnership under the College's membership of ICN was a logical and mutually beneficial next step. Members of the two peak Australian national nursing organizations, together with the profession at large, have favourably received this demonstration of unity. In a time of constant change and uncertainty in professional circles and upheaval in the global community, this collaborative effort by the premier professional and industrial groups has sounded a strong note of stability for working towards a robust future for nursing. With the influence of often-unknown external forces, it is not always possible to predict what lies ahead for our profession. However, a strong collaborative partnership can better plan for, and have greater influence on, national and international issues.

The College, having taken the unprecedented step of inviting a colleague organization to engage in international level collaboration, encourages other ICN member associations to form similar alliances. A stronger ICN will strengthen nurses' endeavours at the forefront of global health and create an unbeatable force for dealing with the unexpected.