The ACN (Australian College of Nursing) has announced nursing leader, health care executive, transformation expert and lecturer Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward has been appointed to the role of CEO effective November 2015.

Carmen Morgan, President of the ACN Board, will officially welcome Adjunct Professor Ward to the position at the upcoming National Nursing Forum, 14-16 October in Brisbane.

“Adjunct Professor Ward has enjoyed a successful and accomplished career in many aspects of nursing and health care. Having commenced her nursing career in intensive and acute care, and later branching out to aged care, she has worked across numerous rural, regional and remote Eastern sea board health services.

“Having held positions as Director of Nursing through to Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery in three major health services in NSW and Victoria, and as an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in leadership and management at Monash University, Adjunct Professor Ward is an exceptional leader and visionary thinker who will be a driving force at this very important point in our organisations development.

“We welcome Adjunct Professor Ward warmly to the team and very much look forward to working with her to face the nursing challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Ms Morgan.

Adjunct Professor Ward says she will build on all that has been great in the past, acknowledging the hard work to date in establishing the strong foundations for the ACN, and will continue to establish the ACN as a vital, influential leader of the nursing profession well into the 22nd century.

“I understand the relevance of, and support required for, the nursing leadership model and will work to ensure we stay at the forefront of our industry, so that nurses take up their rightful place at the table to influence and lead the change that will be required in the delivery of health and aged care in the future.

“I see many opportunities for us to increase our presence, influence and support for nurses everywhere and believe that if we harness the best of our past together with dynamic and contemporary thinking, we will be successful in driving the health and aged care policy agenda. We will continue to provide a great platform for professional connectedness and deliver exceptional education pathways that equip nurses with the skills, knowledge and support to face the evolving challenges within Australia’s health care system,” said Adjunct Professor Ward.

Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN takes over the reins from Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms FACN (DLF). 

From ACN Media Release: 6 October 2015