The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is urging politicians to prioritise the issues impacting the nursing profession throughout the campaign, saying it is in the interests of the health of all Australians.
“For the last two years, nurses have led Australians through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN said.
“I constantly hear stories from my colleagues sharing the exhausting toll of COVID-19 on their physical and mental health as they care for the sick and vulnerable as well as the need to better invest the health care dollar to optimise Australia’s largest and most geographically accessible workforce.
This Federal Election, all political parties must place long term and tangible solutions to address the crisis facing the nursing workforce.
“Registered nurses are central to leading reform in our health and aged care systems and improving the health of all Australians, particularly our most vulnerable. However, there needs to be investments on multiple fronts to ensure our workforce is sustainable and optimally utilised for generations to come.”