The Australian Nursing Awards were initiated and launched by HealthStaff Recruitment in 2002 to provide a vehicle for the national recognition of outstanding nurses and encourage skills advancement in the nursing profession. In that inaugural year, two finalists and one winner were awarded professional scholarships to fund further study in a specialty of their choice.

The Australian Nursing Awards have grown to incorporate two new award categories in addition to the Hesta Professional Development scholarships; The National Care Awards and the Student Achievement Awards.

The National Care Awards seek to recognise and reward excellence in nursing practice and nominations for these awards may be made by patients, the families and friends of patients and colleagues of nominees who wish to acknowledge the provision of care they considered to be exceptional.

The sanofi – aventis Student Achievement Awards recognize highly commended performance by three final year nursing students nominated by their university and provide encouragement for nursing students to continue their commitment to their nursing career.

The Australian Nursing Awards, in addition to celebrating individual nursing distinction, raise national awareness of the important place of the nursing profession in the community and we invite you all to join the celebration. Nominations are now open and HealthStaff Recruitment wishes all nominees for the 2005 Australian Nursing Awards, the very best of luck.

John de Haard
Managing Director

Mission Statement

The pursuit of excellence in the Nursing profession is vital to ensure nursing care that is effective, efficient and focussed on patients and their needs.

Objectives

• To celebrate excellence in nursing practice
  
  
• To promote the importance of the nursing profession in the Australian community
  
  
• To acknowledge the commitment given by nurses to their chosen career
  
  
• To encourage the skills advancement of nursing professionals
  
  
• To create public awareness of the dedication of the nursing profession and their:
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Caring and therapeutic relationships
  • Excellence in nursing practice
  • Ethical and professional commitment
  

Timeline

Closing date for nominations: Monday 20 March 2006

Selection of Awards recipients: April 2006

Awards Ceremony: International Nurses Week May 2006