Friday August 11, 2023
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has appointed Adjunct Professor David Plunkett FACN, GAICD, MBA, RN, as President, taking over from retiring Emeritus Professor Christine Duffield.
The Eastern Health Chief Executive has been an ACN Board Executive for five and a half years and Vice President for six months.
“I am utterly humbled and thrilled to take this opportunity as President of the Australian College of Nursing and the Australian College of Nursing Foundation.
“The organisation is in a very healthy position, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board Directors, our CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, ACN staff, fellows, members and students to keep nursing at the forefront of healthcare in Australia,” Adj Prof Plunkett said.
Previously, Adj Prof Plunkett has held senior roles at Epworth Richmond and Latrobe Regional Hospitals. He holds a Master of Business Administration and is a surveyor with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.
In 2002, he joined Eastern Health and was appointed to the role of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer during February 2010. In addition to these roles, he was also appointed as Executive Director of Acute Health in May 2013, where he held both positions until September 2016 when he was appointed as Chief Executive, Eastern Health.
“I will work together with my colleagues to ensure our mission of Shaping Health, Advancing Nursing continues to be at the heart of all we do.
“It is time for nurses to work at the full scope of their practice, have an active and sought-after role in developing health policy, and continue to expand our skills and contribution to Australia,” Adj Prof Plunkett said.
The new ACN Presidency is effective from 11 August 2023, and was announced at ACN’s annual conference, The National Nursing Forum.