Dr Jane Douglas1, Ms Karen Cook1
1Australian Nursing And Midwifery Accreditation Council, Canberra , Australia, 2Australian Nursing And Midwifery Accreditation Council, Canberra, Australia
Biography:
Dr Jane Douglas is the Associate Director of Policy, Research & Standards, bringing extensive expertise in clinical nursing, scholarship, education, and regulatory frameworks. A registered nurse with a strong academic and policy background, she has led initiatives to advance nursing practice and professional standards. Her work includes research on graduate outcomes and theoretical models of nursing, contributing to evidence-based policy development. Dr Douglas is committed to fostering excellence in nursing education and shaping the future of healthcare through innovation and collaboration.
Abstract:
Workshop overview
ANMAC will commence a review of the Registered Nurse Accreditation Standards in 2026 and is seeking input from stakeholders including those working in rural and remote nursing. To inform the review of the Registered Nurse Accreditation Standards, ANMAC proposes hosting a workshop at the 2026 CRANA Plus Conference. The workshop will gather insights from delegates on how nursing education can best prepare graduates for contemporary practice, with a focus on rural and remote healthcare. ANMAC would like to hear ideas from participants about entry-to-practice education including strategies that help promote retention and long-term commitment to these settings.
Target Audience:
• Registered Nurses
• Nursing education providers
• Clinical leaders and practitioners
• Policy makers and regulators
• Professional associations and consumer representatives
• Nursing students
Activities: Participants will work in groups (tables) to discuss questions posed by the facilitators and provide feedback that can help inform the review of the RN accreditation standards. The workshop will include,
– A brief overview of RN Accreditation Standards
– Facilitated discussion groups to identify priority areas in rural and remote nursing contexts.
– Exercises to explore future practice needs for RNs working in rural and remote contexts to help inform the accreditation standards
– Synthesis of insights for standards development
Expected outcomes.
We are interested in innovative ideas to strengthen nurse education and help attract RNs to work in various contexts including rural and remote practice, and support graduates to remain in those communities and the profession long-term.
– Gather and consolidate feedback from conference participants to inform the review of RN Accreditation Standards.
– Enhance stakeholder engagement in shaping nursing education.
– Identify gaps and opportunities for innovation in RN preparation.