APNA launches Florence, a free app to power career growth

Monday 12 May 2025

Today is International Nurses Day, and the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This year’s theme, “Caring for nurses strengthens economies”, is a powerful reminder that when we invest in the nursing profession, we strengthen communities, health systems, and the wellbeing of our nation.

In recognition of the enormous contribution of Australia’s nurses, the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is proud to launch Florence, a free app designed by nurses, for nurses.

  
Florence is a groundbreaking career growth and professional development platform that gives every nurse the tools they need to grow their skills, plan their future, and take control of their career, no matter their clinical setting or career stage.

“Florence represents a shift in how we support nurses,” said Ken Griffin, Chief Executive Officer of APNA.

“Rather than leaving professional growth to chance, Florence provides structure, support and visibility. It’s a practical tool to help nurses track learning, set goals, identify opportunities and see their value. When nurses are empowered like this, we all benefit, and we’re all healthier for it.”

With over 500,000 nurses in Australia, and more than 89,000 working in primary health care, the potential impact of Florence is immense.

Florence helps nurses to:

• Track formal and informal CPD in seconds, Ahpra-compliant
• Receive tailored CPD recommendations based on setting and goals
• Benchmark their skills and identify gaps
• Set meaningful career goals and track progress
• Be matched with research, mentoring and employment opportunities

“This is about reducing the cognitive load on nurses,” said Griffin. “Less time worrying about CPD logistics or 'what’s next', and more time growing, leading and caring.”

To celebrate the launch, APNA is inviting all nurses to participate in two social media campaigns: #SelfieWithFlorence and #DanceWithFlorence.

Nurses can visit www.florence.today/IND to create their own Florence-branded photo, or take a fun selfie with Florence Nightingale herself (party hat and all). TikTok users can also join the “Dance with Florence” challenge by adding a dancing Florence green screen to their video and tagging fellow nurses.

The app is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and it's completely free.

“We named it Florence to honour where nursing began,” Griffin said, “but this app is about where nursing is going. It’s not about looking back, it’s about lighting the way forward.”

Media Contact:
APNA Special Projects
specialprojects@apna.asn.au
1300 303 184

ENDS