List of peak nursing organisations, with descriptions and web addresses.

Australian Practice Nurses Association (APNA)
A professional body to represent the interests of practice nurses at the national level; to facilitate networking and support; and to facilitate professional and educational development opportunities for practice nurses.  Formed in August 2001. 

Website address:

http://www.apna.asn.au

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Australian Nurses' Federation (ANF)
The national union for nurses.  The ANF's core business is the industrial and professional representation of nurses and nursing through the activities of a national office and branches in every State and Territory. Formed in 1924. 

National website address:

http://www.anf.org.au/

Victorian website address:

http://www.anfvic.asn.au/

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Royal College of Nursing, Australia  (RCNA)
A professional organisation representing nurses from all practice areas, whose core business is the promotion and recognition of excellence in nursing eg: through the provision of education, professional development, the provision of information and networking opportunities, or through high level input to health policy.  Formed in 1949.

National web address:

http://www.rcna.org.au/

Victorian web address:

http://www.rcna.org.au/Chapters/Vic/index.html

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Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV)
A regulating body that registers nurses in Victoria and requires an annual review of nurses' status. The Board is entrusted by the Victorian government to ensure high standards within the profession through registering nurses, accrediting nursing programs in universities and VET institutions, approving programs by other educational providers and setting standards and guidelines for nursing practice. Formed in 1923.

Website address:

http:// www.nbv.org.au/

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The Association for Australian Rural Nurses (AARN)
Peak representative body for Australian Rural Nurses, and an active member of the National Rural Health Alliance (http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/ ). Formed in 1992.

Website adddress:

http://www.aarn.asn.au/

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Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS)
This is a not-for-profit organisation that provides nursing services to people in their homes, schools and workplaces.  they are the largest employer of community nurses in Australia with more than 1200 staff.  Formed in 1885.

Website adddress:

http://www.rdns.com.au/

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