JCU academic takes up the reins at the world’s top nursing job

Dr Isabelle Skinner has been appointed CEO of the ICN. The Council is a federation of more than 130 national nursing associations, meaning Dr Skinner will represent more than 20 million nurses worldwide.

Dr Skinner, currently a senior research fellow with James Cook University’s Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health, is a registered nurse and midwife with extensive experience in remote area nursing, education, research, and nursing leadership.

A past president of CRANA and Aurora winner, Dr Skinner completed the JCU Master of Tropical Health and Medicine in the first cohort while working as a Remote Area Nurse in the Kimberley. She holds a PhD, MBA, GD Prof. Communication (digital) and specialises in digital and telehealth and in improving access to health services for the vulnerable and access to specialist services in rural and remote health.

“Australian nurses welcome the announcement,” Professor Sabina Knight said. “Isabelle has had a long association with remote health and education playing leadership roles at critical times such as the development of University Departments of Rural Health, the Council of Remote Area Nurses, the Australian College of Nursing, education and support programs for remote area nurses, and in developing digital technologies to improve health and health practice,” she said.

“It is true that if you are good enough to work in outback Australia you can work anywhere in the world,” Professor Knight said.

Dr Skinner’s first hospital after graduating as a nurse was Cloncurry where she developed her interest in remote health. Her quest for knowledge, health improvement and challenging roles has taken her across Australia and the world.

The team at Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health are sad to see her go but celebrate her appointment to the world’s top nursing job. “This sure will inspire our nursing students.” “ICN is in good hands,” Professor Knight said.