Nursing in Australia – how to kickstart and progress your nursing career.

VET study and on-the-job training

How does it work:

· Entry-level Nursing and Health Care Assistant positions are available to people who don’t hold Nursing qualifications, although they often require that you have completed or are working towards a Cert III (in Health Services Assistance or similar).

· Entry-level roles include - Assistant in Nursing (AIN), Aged Care Worker, Personal Care Assistant, Health Services Assistant, or Operating Theater Technician.

· These roles can serve as a stepping stone to becoming an Enrolled Nurse (EN) and provide a great opportunity to earn as you learn and develop new skills.

Next steps:

· Check out the Australian Government Your Career website for more information on Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, including course dates, duration, and providers.

· Apply for entry-level jobs directly – some employers will provide on-the-job training by combining work with VET study.

· Once in employment, start to develop a professional nursing portfolio of work experience and skill development. This will form part of your application for future Nursing roles or recognition of prior learning for future study.

Enrolled Nurse (EN) pathway

How does it work:

· Enrolled Nurses (ENs) complete a Diploma of Nursing (18-24 months of study) and attain registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)

· This opens the door to many Enrolled Nurse positions across a variety of settings and areas of interest.

· These roles can serve as a great stepping stone to becoming a Registered Nurse.

Next Steps:

· Check out Australian Government Your Career or AHPRA Approved Programs of Study or more information on the Diploma of Nursing, including course dates, duration, and providers.

· Apply for EN jobs – look out for benefits, including band pay, professional development, and career progression opportunities, including opportunities to combine further study with paid employment.

· Once in employment, keep developing your professional nursing portfolio of work experience and skills. Use this as part of your application for future Nursing roles or recognition of prior learning for future study.

Registered Nurse (RN) pathway

How does it work:

· Registered Nurses (RNs) complete a Bachelor of Nursing (minimum 3 years) and register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

· Registered Nurse positions are diverse and available across a variety of settings and areas of interest. These positions often involve career progression opportunities.

· RNs work independently and in collaboration with other health professionals and medical teams, and may train junior staff.

Next Steps:

· Check out AHPRA Approved Programs of Study for more information on BA Nursing degrees and registration, including course dates, duration, and providers.

· Check out the Australian Bureau of Statistics for interesting RN statistical information.

· Apply for RN jobs – look out for benefits, including band pay, transition to practice programs, or access to professional development opportunities.

Senior and specialised Nursing roles

How does it work:

RNs can progress to more senior and specialised roles within a few years by:

· undertaking further clinical training.

· developing a robust portfolio of work experience.

· studying toward a postgraduate certificate or Master’s degree.

· developing critical skills and knowledge in providing nursing care and consultation services in a specialist or advanced practice area of Nursing.

These advanced nursing roles include:

· Senior Clinical Nurse

· Nurse Practitioner

· Nurse Consultant/Specialist, Nurse Educator

· Midwife

· Nurse Manager

· Head Nurse and Charge Nurse, among others.

Next steps:

· Check out the links below for information on accredited courses and training options:

AHPRA Approved Programs of Study

ACN Graduate Certificate

· Keep developing your professional portfolio and areas of interest.

· Take advantage of any professional development opportunities at work.

· Look out for Transition to Specialty Practice (TSP) or Pathway to Specialty Practice (PSP) Programs provided by employers.

Senior and specialised Nursing areas and career development

How does it work:

Nurses can specialise and advance their skills and career in different practice areas, which may relate to the clinical context, patient population, or type of service they provide.

Examples include:

· Management and Leadership - Nurses can progress into managerial and leadership roles and specialise in areas such as health service delivery, governance, leadership, human resources, recruitment, education and training, public health, and research.

· Clinical and Medical Specialties - Nurses can pursue clinical specialties including paediatrics, intensive care, emergency care, perioperative care, rehabilitation, oncology, haematology, diabetes, cardiovascular or renal medicine, among many others. Nurses work in teams with other medical and clinical staff.

· Other practice areas - Community Health, Allied Health, Mental Health, Aged Care, Primary Health, Indigenous Health, and Rural/Remote Area Nursing. These practice areas involve providing Nursing care and services that meet the needs and settings for certain populations, patients, and community groups.

Next steps:

· Keep developing your professional portfolio and areas of interest.

· Check out these resources below for more information on Nursing specialisations and advanced practice areas, and how to make the most of this amazing profession!

· PostGrad Australia

· Advanced Nursing Practice Guidelines for the Australian Context

· MedicalJobsAustralia.com Health Service Categories and Careers