Belinda Clark, Professional Officer and Roslyn Morgan, Environmental Health Officer
The 2021 International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress is currently underway, with two ANMF staff presenting.
Professional Officer Belinda Clark is presenting on the innovative ANMF-led Registered Undergraduate Students of Nursing (RUSON) employment model, and Environmental Health Officer Roslyn Morgan is presenting on environmental and sustainability issues in the healthcare system.
The biennial ICN Congress brings together nurses from around the world to share best practice nursing research and health-related knowledge. Last held in Singapore in 2019, this year it is being held virtually for the first time due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With the theme of ‘Nursing Around the World’, the 2021 congress comprises a series of live and recorded online interactive symposia, sessions and networking events until 4 November.
ANMF (Vic Branch) Professional Officer Belinda Clark has been involved with the RUSON initiative since the student nurse employment pilot project was implemented with the support of the Andrews Government in 2016. The pilot has been enthusiastically embraced by registered and student nurses alike. Among other benefits, it has:
- relieved workload pressure for registered nurses
- improved staff morale
- improved RUSON knowledge and confidence
- supported RUSON transition to practice
- played a critical role in Victoria’s ongoing response to COVID-19.
Belinda’s presentation highlights these successes – which have led to an expansion into the Registered Undergraduate Student of Midwifery (RUSOM) employment model and the introduction of RUSONs in mental health (currently known as ‘pre-qualification students’) and offers the global attendees of the congress tips and resources for implementing their own RUSON/RUSOM-style models.
Ros Morgan’s role as the ANMF (Vic Branch) Environmental Health Officer was created to address legislative frameworks, research and member requests around issues of environmental sustainability in the healthcare system. Her presentation outlines for the global audience the various initiatives implemented by the branch to change the culture within healthcare settings – especially around issues such medical waste and energy use. These initiatives include the annual sustainability conference, the Green Nurses & Midwives Facebook page and the Nursing for the Environment training program. The presentation also introduces attendees to the branch resources they can access and adapt for their own settings.
Both Belinda and Ros are honoured to present at the ICN Congress showcasing the achievements of Victorian nurses and midwives to the world. They join a storied line-up of speakers and presenters that includes Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, former United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon, co-chair of the WHO’s International Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response and former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, and US Congresswoman and registered nurse Lauren Underwood.
