Nurses are really important people in our national health system.
In this first review since one in 2002 their education and training is a key component of the terms of reference.
The review
In a press release in January 2019, Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie announced the first independent review of Australian nursing preparation since 2002 – Educating the Nurse of the Future, which will commence this year.
As her press release points out:
“The Review will look at issues like making sure the nursing profession remains an attractive career option for students; ensuring that our nursing education system is internationally competitive and that career pathways for the Enrolled, Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners are relevant.”
The review will consider “how the education and preparation of nurses in Australia will ensure the nursing workforce is well placed to meet the future needs of Australian communities and our health system.”
The terms of reference
The full terms of reference can be found here. Basically, they are aimed at examining:
- the effectiveness of current educational preparation of and articulation between enrolled and registered nurses and nurse practitioners in meeting the needs of health service delivery
- factors that affect the choice of nursing as an occupation, including for men
- the role and appropriateness of transition to practice programs however named, and
- the competitiveness and attractiveness of Australian nursing qualifications across international contexts.
Consultations
The review panel, headed by Emeritus Professor Steven Schwartz AM, will be consulting widely. Public consultation workshops will be held from April until June. Details about the consultations will be uploaded onto the review’s website as soon as they have been confirmed, so stay tuned to the site if this is a topic of interest.
Submissions can also be made
Submissions based on the Terms of Reference can be made by emailing them to nursingreview@health.gov.au prior to the closing date of 21 June 2019.
Submissions will be uploaded onto the Consultation Hub website, but if you wish for your submission to remain anonymous, please include this decision in your submission.
The 2002 review concluded that some strategies were needed, including building a sustainable nursing workforce, and maximising health outcomes through quality education.
The 2002 review made 34 recommendations. Let’s see where the new review takes us.
