Australian College of Neonatal Nurses

****Our Philosophy**** We believe neonatal nurses have a responsibility to carry out a high standard of individualised care for preterm, sick and recovering newborn infants within a family centred philosophy. We believe neonatal nursing[](https://www.acnn.org.au/about-us/) should have a national focus with standards for clinical practice, research and education. We believe there should be active collaboration and representation between ACNN members, other professional associations, particularly those involved with perinatal care, and clinical and academic institutions. The ACNN provides direction and leadership for neonatal nurses thereby enhancing their professional development within the specialty. ****Our Mission**** The Australian College of Neonatal Nurses Inc is committed to: - Maintaining the highest international standards in clinical practice, teaching and research - Promoting and sustaining a philosophy of family-centred and individualised care for infants and their families - Advancing the welfare of Australian families, recognising the particular needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups - Working with other national and international professional and multidisciplinary bodies to extend and enhance the quality of clinical practice, education and research activities - Maintaining a rewarding environment for the neonatal nursing community through advocating for advancing professional practice within the context of complex and evolving systems of health service provision **ACNN advocates for neonatal nurses** - Providing expert advice to, and professional communication with government bodies and other professional colleges on matters pertaining to neonatal nursing - Facilitating close and continuing contact with other professional colleges pertaining to neonatology/perinatology - Fostering international liaisons to promote neonatal nursing in Australia - Acting in an advisory capacity on the formulation and implementation of post graduate neonatal nursing education programs **ACNN supports neonatal nurses’ professional development** - Promoting the formulation and dissemination of standards of care for neonatal nursing practice - Organising a national conference where neonatal nurses can hear the latest research and network with colleagues - Promoting and facilitating nursing research related to neonatal care - Providing and promoting forums at regional, national and international levels, for the exchange of information and ideas pertaining to neonatal care - Contributing to International development in neonatal nursing - Offering scholarships - Providing professional practice tools and publications