Julie Williams Principal Policy and Careers Officer NSW Health Careers in Nursing and Midwifery in NSW

1 Nursing & Midwifery Workforce  The total number of nurses working in NSW Public Hospitals in June 2008 was 43,068. This is a net increase 1,547 (3.7%) from January 2007  The greatest need is for registered nurses and midwives.

2 Preparing for a career in nursing or midwifery ENDORSED ENROLLED NURSE (EEN) Certificate IV in Enrolled Nursing or Diploma in Enrolled Nursing BACHELOR OF NURSING (RN) Undergraduate degree – 3 years F/T or equivalent P/T BACHELOR OF MIDWIFERY (RM) Undergraduate degree – 3 years F/T

3 Background  The critical areas of workforce need are for registered nurses and registered midwives  The Enrolled Nursing qualification is now part of the Health Training Package and will be delivered as a pre-service course in NSW from 2009 onwards  NSW Health delivers several models of the Nursing Initiatives in Schools Program to encourage schools and students to rethink nursing and midwifery as valued career options

4 SCHOLARSHIPS  In 2007 over $3.6M provided over 1800 scholarships and in 2008, over $5M has provided more than 1300 scholarships.  This includes over 400 scholarships for EN to become RN and more than 500 postgraduate scholarships for registered nurses.  30 scholarships have also been provided to registered nurses from rural NSW who are undertaking study to become a registered midwife.

5 Nursing Initiatives in Schools programs are currently offered as:  A Certificate III as: –A Board Endorsed VET Course –A School Based Traineeship  A Statement of Attainment

6 Bachelor of Nursing  Three years full time or equivalent part time  Conducted at 9 Universities across NSW  Undergraduates gain clinical experience in health settings  Undergraduates are not employed but do have the opportunity to work in health care facilities as Assistants in Nursing  Post graduate courses from Graduate Certificate to PhD or Professional Doctorate available

7 ENDORSED ENROLLED NURSING  Will be a pre-service course from 2009 delivered by accredited educational providers  Students will gain clinical experience in health settings  Qualification is part of the National Health Training Package  Two entry levels in NSW at Certificate IV or Diploma  Post enrolment courses at Advanced Diploma are available

8 Advantages  A reduction of the pressure on the trainees and workforce  Possibility of more opportunities  Competition between providers  Removal of learners from staffing numbers  Reduction in staff ‘churn’  Aligned with other States

9 Bachelor of Midwifery  Three years full time undergraduate degree course conducted at UTS only at this stage  Undergraduates gain clinical experience in health settings  Undergraduates are not employed but opportunities are under development for these undergraduates to work part time in maternity units  Competitive entry for available places is highly contested

10 Recruiting Aboriginal people into Nursing and Midwifery The NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Strategy contributes to improving Aboriginal health by providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to gain education and employment as nurses and midwives. Providing career opportunities for Aboriginal people in nursing and midwifery can have an enormous impact on the health and well-being of Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal nurses and midwives are needed in their local hospitals and community health centres.

11 Nursing and Midwifery Office Contacts Julie Williams: Principal Policy & Careers Officer Ph: Sue Balding: Project Manager - Aboriginal Nursing & Midwifery Strategy Ph:

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