Learning from history

As someone who has had a great interest in history for a long time, I have found the 60 year celebrations of the Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) and The College of Nursing this year absorbing. History, as taught at school, tended to highlight the monarchs, generals and presidents. And while their actions and achievements were of course interesting and important, the activities of the everyday person were often overlooked. I can remember asking myself fairly early on in my study of history why Alexander the Great was remembered, but the people who grew and cooked the food that fed him, wove the clothes that he wore, and followed him to fight and conquer across what was then the known world, were rarely even named. Yet, without them, Alexander’s name would not be so well known today.

Although the history of nursing and our professional organisations has been influenced by leaders, it is the stories of the many nurses who have contributed to nursing and the Colleges in so many ways over the years that is truly remarkable. The joint history forum being held in conjunction with the RCNA’s Annual Conference in Melbourne on 2 September promises to be a source of inspiration – letting us know some of the work that has gone on behind the scenes, in the ‘back rooms’, often unrecognised and unrewarded, to ensure that nursing’s voice is heard. We should be celebrating not just 60 years of existence, but also the work of our colleagues, past and present, in promoting nursing, inspiring others and progressing the profession.

I look forward to seeing you at the conference, and sharing some of the stories from the back rooms.



Dr Stephanie Fox-Young FRCNA
RCNA President

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