Today’s nursing students are the leaders of tomorrow’s nursing profession, Tracey Osmond, Chief Executive of The College of Nursing, said today.

The Emerging Nurse Leader Program, an initiative of the College and supported by universities, aims to identify five second-year nursing students who have what it takes to lead the profession into the future.

“Leadership is essential for any profession if it is to remain relevant, take it into the future and have its voice heard,” said Osmond.

“Nursing leadership is about understanding the challenges facing the profession in times of increasing social, economic and professional pressure.

“The Emerging Nurse Leadership program aims to identify and support second-year Bachelor of Nursing  students who have a passion for the profession and who have the ideas and capacity to inspire their peers,” said Osmond.

“Nursing leadership can emerge in a range of settings – clinical, education, management, policy, research and more.”

The five successful candidates will receive a package over five years that includes membership of The College of Nursing, access to a mentor, leadership development opportunities, and exposure to some of the best minds in the profession and the wider community.

The College is now accepting expressions of interest with nominations opening in May 2011.

This program is proudly sponsored by CMHealth, Genepharm (MedicoPak), HIP and the Co-op Bookshop.

Find out more at www.emergingnurseleader.com.au

Tracey Osmond is available for interview or comment.
Media contact: Ian Steep 0412 601 983 or Amanda Rose 0432 49 02 48

The College of Nursing is a professional body that represents, assists, educates and supports nursing professionals throughout Australia. Through its extensive health care networks, the College provides a central point of reference and support for nursing professionals to attain outstanding personal career results, and provide best practice quality outcomes for patients.