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Unification

The Australian College of Nursing has been established by The College of Nursing and the Royal College of Nursing, Australia to unify the professional voice of nursing in Australia and will combine the existing strengths of the two former Colleges. From July 2012, the Australian College of Nursing will continue to offer and grow its educational services built on the strength of The College of Nursing’s 63 years of experience in providing postgraduate and CPD education to nurses at all stages of their careers.

Joint Communiqué

Please find attached the latest communiqué updating Fellows and Members of both The College of Nursing and Royal College of Nursing, Australia on the progress made since the members’ vote for Unification at the respective EGMs on 30 November 2011.
 
   FAQ - Unification (127 KB)
   TCoN & RCNA Transitional Board (186 KB)
   TCoN & RCNA Unification Booklet (1 MB)
   TCoN and RCNA Joint Communique CEO Appointment (206 KB)
   TCoN and RCNA Joint Communique 4 April 2012 (207 KB)
 

Important Reminder for all Members

To transfer your membership to the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) you must complete and return your signed Transition Form to the College by mail before 1 July 2012. The form was sent to you by mail, however you can download a copy here.

Without your signed Transition Form, under Privacy laws, we cannot transfer your membership to the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). So to be part of nursing’s future, make sure you sign and send back your form to us as soon as possible!

 

See below for some Frequently Asked Questions on the Unification and Transition Form process, or please call us on 02 9745 7569.

 

Important: you do not need to make any payments when you return the Transition Approval form: you only need to fill in your personal/professional details, tick the applicable membership category box and sign the form. Members who are due for renewal will receive a separate invoice.

 
   Transition Form (67 KB)
   Transition Letter (183 KB)
 
Frequently Asked Questions about the Transition Form and Letter:

Do I need to make any payments when I return the form?
No, this form is your permission to cease membership with TCoN and become a member of Australian College of Nursing (ACN). You only pay if you have received a separate renewal notice. Simply fill out, sign and send the form to us.

Can I fax or email my form back?
No legally we must have the original form with your signature returned to us.

What happens if I do not return the form?
If you do not return your Transition Form by 30 June 2012, you will not become a member of the new College and will not be able to enjoy the benefits of membership with ACN. Due to privacy laws, you will not be able to be contacted by ACN. We encourage all our members to return their form as soon as possible.

Other Questions?
If you have any membership enquiries please contact the Membership Services Team at membership@nursing.edu.au or on Freecall 1800 106 829.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unification:

What member benefits will be offered by Australian College of Nursing (ACN)?

Member benefits will remain an integral part of the ACN membership and therefore in the interim all benefits for RCNA and TCoN will be provided.  As always benefits will continue to be reviewed and improved according to relevance and need.

 

What happens if I am a member of both Colleges?

You can continue dual membership of both RCNA and TCoN.  Once the colleges have unified and you have notified the colleges you wish to take up membership of ACN you will then hold a single equivalent membership with ACN.

 

It’s not practical for me to keep/renew my membership with both RCNA and TCoN before the unification. Which one should I stay with?

We suggest you retain your membership with which ever College you see as the more useful or beneficial to you during the unification period.

 

Will I be able to retain my TCoN membership number?

If you are a current TCoN member we will retain a copy of your current number, but you will be issued with a new ACN membership number. All new members who have never been listed with either organisation will be issued with a new membership number.

 

If I’m a second/third year student do I still have to pay the full $120 new student fee?

If you are not currently a paying student you will be required to pay the full amount of $120 irrespective of year level. 

 

Why do I have to consent to join ACN?

As ACN will be a new organisation we have a legal requirement to gain your written permission to cease your current membership with RCNA/TCoN and to commence with ACN.  All current members from RCNA and TCoN will receive a letter inviting them to join ACN. This letter must be signed and returned to the relevant College to ensure membership of ACN.

 

What happens if I do not give permission to join ACN?

Any RCNA or TCoN members who do not provide written permission to join ACN will retain their membership to the former Colleges until their membership lapses. After 1 July 2012 RCNA and TCoN members will be unable to renew their membership to their respective colleges. These members can still provide permission to join ACN at any time.

 

If I remain with RCNA or TCoN and do not give permission to become an ACN member will I still receive my current member benefits and access after 1July 2012?

It is anticipated that all of your current college benefits will continue until your anniversary.  As current practice if there are to be any changes to membership benefits you will be advised as normal.