The Day Surgery Nurses Interest Group was formed in August 1992 in N.S.W. At this time there was an overwhelming thirst for knowledge and information on this specialty. The group became incorporated in February 1995 as the “Day Surgery Nurses Association” NSW.

Nurses working in this specialty are encouraged to join the Association, as it is a forum for the exchange of ideas and discussion and provides a springboard to problem solving.

Regular meetings and workshops for the exchange of ideas and discussions are held throughout the year. These meetings are hosted by different hospitals. Each meeting usually has a guest speaker who will give a short talk on an issue relating to Day Surgery. There is the opportunity for discussion and the exchange of information and ideas during the meetings.

The Inaugural State Conference, held in July 1995, was a great success and saw the membership rise dramatically. A state conference is now held every two years.

• The first educational workshop was held at Bateman’s Bay in February 1996. Regular workshops are now held throughout the year at various venues in New South Wales with the assistance of the local members.

• In conjunction with the N.S.W. College of Nursing the first continuing education course for day surgery nurses was held at the College in May 1996. The course was an introduction to and an overview of Day Surgery practice. Further courses have been held and will continue to be held as part of further education.

• Stryker Australia Ltd. provided generous sponsorship for our first national competition. This allowed one of our members to have an all expenses paid trip to the International Congress held in London in 1997.

• In 1995 the NSW Association entered into discussions with other day surgery groups in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Not long after, Tasmania and Queensland also indicated that they would like to be part of a national association. The Australian Day Surgery Nurses Association was then formally established in November 1996. Two members of each state committee represent at the national level [ADSNA]. This allows each state to have a say and to influence decisions made nationally on issues that affect day surgery and day surgery nurses.

• A two-day course was conducted in Coraki in 1997. The course was organised by the Association in conjunction with the College of Nursing.

• An education fund has been set up by the Association to provide support for members towards ongoing education either by attendance at courses, conferences or to assist with research studies.

• In March 1997 the DSNA newsletter ‘Day Surge’ evolved into a quarterly journal. This then became the basis for the national journal “Day Surgery Australia” which is published by the “Australian Day Surgery Nurses Association”. This journal services all member states and commenced in 1999.

• State Conferences are held every 2 years to keep members up to date on new techniques and technologies.

• DSNA, through ADSNA is now affiliated with The College of Nursing NSW and The Royal College of Nursing.

• DSNA represents day surgery nurses on many working parties and Associations at both state and national level and can therefore influence decisions on behalf of its members.