'Bringing Nurses Back into the Workforce' - Australian Government Information

As part of the Australian Government's health reform package, the Government will redirect funding from the Bringing Nurses Back into the Workforce Program to a number of new nursing initiatives, including the Rural Nursing Locum Scheme, Building Nursing Careers in Aged Care, Aged Care Nurse Practitioner - Models of Practice Projects and the National Regulation of Personal Care Workers/Assistants in Nursing project.

Nurses already participating in the Bringing Nurses Back into the Workforce Program, and who continue to be eligible, will receive incentive payments. However, no new applications will be accepted beyond 11 May 2010.

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Refresher Courses for Nurses/Midwives

Refresher courses are designed for nurses and midwives who have not practiced within the profession for a period of no more than five years and wish to refresh their nursing and midwifery skills, knowledge and competency in order to return to the workforce. Entry to a refresher course does not need to be coordinated through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and therefore can be negotiated by the individual with the hospital of their choice.

Nurses and midwives who are seeking to be reinstated to the register of pratitioners and who have not practiced nursing or midwifery within the last five years must undergo a re-entry program approved by the NMBA.

For further information regarding the Nurisng and Midwifery Recency of Practice Registration Standard refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website.

Re-entry to Practice for Nursing/Midwifery

Registered Nurse

The re-entry programs outlined below have been approved by the NMBA and on successful completion will allow for reinstatement to the register.

There are two types of re-entry programs - university or health unit based. All are based within the metropolitan area however the clinical component of the hospital based programs can be undertaken in country hospitals as negotiated. University based programs are offered in two Universities. Fees for university programs are at the expense of the individual.

For further information contact the following:

• Flinders University
• University of South Australia

The programs based at health units are of varying length and configuration of theory and practice. Information on the exact program requirements can be obtained by contacting the hospitals directly:

* Program supported by the Department of Health (DH). The program is free to the participant and a scholarship to assist with expenses may be available after commencement.

Registered Midwife

The Re-entry program for midwives is a collaboration between Flinders Medical Centre and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A 12-day theoretical component is followed by 60 days of clinical practice which can be completed at either hospital. Candidates wishing to complete their clinical time in a rural hospital can negotiate this with the course coordinators.

These programs are supported by the Department of Health, are free to the participant and a scholarship to assist with expenses may be available after commencement. Information on the exact program requirements can be obtained by contacting the hospitals directly:

Enrolled Nurse

Re-entry programs for Enrolled Nurses are either TAFE SA or health unit based. The TAFE SA courses vary in length and units of study required and are generally one semester full-time. The two TAFE SA campus’ currently offering Re-entry courses are Port Adelaide and Whyalla. For course commencement dates and requirements visit the TAFE SA website or contact them on 1300 130 753.

Unit based programs are offered by:

* Program supported by the Department of Health (DH). The program is free to the participant and a scholarship to assist with expenses may be available after commencement.

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Refresher Courses for Nursing/Midwifery

Refresher courses are targeted at the needs of the individual through theory and preceptored practice. The programs undertaken in the public sector are free and participants are not remunerated for the clinical time worked. Certain programs are supported by the Department of Health (DH) meaning the program is free to the participant and a scholarship to assist with expenses may be available after commencement.

Registered and Enrolled Nurses

Registered Midwife

The Re-Refresher program for midwives is a collaboration between Flinders Medical Centre and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The Re-Refresher program 12-day theoretical component is consistent with the Re-Entry Program and is followed by 40 days clinical practice which can be completed at either hospital. Candidates wishing to complete their clinical time in a rural hospital can negotiate this with the course coordinators.

These programs are supported by the Department of Health, are free to the participant and a scholarship to assist with expenses may be available after commencement. Information on the exact program requirements can be obtained by contacting the hospitals directly: