Unprecedented Opportunity To Keep Nurses In Nursing

Facing skills shortages and an aging, expanding population, Australia’s growing health sector requires high-quality resources and innovative initiatives to improve workforce recruitment, training, retention, and future supply. This article examines the current Australian Skills Classification model and explores how the proposed new National Skills Taxonomy, and a more integrated skills system, could benefit the health sector.

Following the Government’s Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review, expected to release its final report in October this year, Australia’s peak nursing bodies have announced they are united in supporting scope of practice and primary care reform processes. Interim ACN CEO said enabling Nurses to work to their full scope of practice will enhance health service delivery and access, increase job satisfaction, and have significant health workforce implications.

Interested in a rural medical career? This podcast series explores what it's like to live, work and train in rural medicine in Australia. Listen in as junior doctors and specialists share their experiences, providing real-life insights into the opportunities presented by living and working in regional communities. This podcast series is produced by Monash Rural Health’s Regional Training Hubs and funded by the Department of Health’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program.

The latest Internet Vacancy Index (IVI) by Jobs and Skills Australia recorded 4% fewer health and medical job advertisements in April 2024 compared to March 2024, and 6% fewer job ads compared to a year ago. Declines were observed across all occupational categories. Despite the month-on-month and year-on-year declines, health sector job advertisements and vacancies continue at record levels. More details here.