SPECIAL SESSION: Journey to Unification: Bringing Two Peak Organisations Together in a Harmonious Merger

Description/Overview: Since the College of Nursing (TCoN) and Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) were established in 1949, there have been many who have worked to unite them for the good of the profession and for the benefit of the people for whom nurses provide health care. Against the backdrop of ongoing significant health reforms, there has never been a more suitable time to undertake such an unification. Following three years of discussions between the Boards of RCNA and TCoN and consultation with the members of each College, it was proposed that TCoN and RCNA unify their activities and organisations through the establishment of a New College. The unification is scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2012. Unification of TCoN and RCNA, through the creation of a single entity, will result in a focused voice for the nursing profession within Australia and ensure its sustainability into the future. This session will explain the process of unification of two peak nursing organisations within the Australian context. It will consider the key stages of the unification process, the significance of the vote, and the profile of the new entity. Finally a discussion of the associated opportunities, risks and successes surrounding the unification will also occur.