Scope of practice review set to ‘unleash’ nurses’ full potential

28 August 2023

For too long, nurses and other health professionals haven’t been able to work to their full scope of practice.

Now, the federal government wants to unlock their potential, with a new workforce review, launched last week, set to examine how to enable health practitioners to work to the full-extent of their skills and training, thus improving health access and outcomes.

Recommended by the government’s Strengthening Medicare Taskforce earlier this year, Health Minister Mark Butler said the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce Review would ensure Australia “optimises its health workforce across a stretched primary care sector” and boosts health access and equity across all communities, particularly regional, rural and remote.

Last week, ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler, who sits on the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, said it was crucial the review achieved its ultimate aim – to ensure all health professionals are fully utilised.

“The Review will determine how health practitioners can be supported to work to the full extent of their skills and training, which will lead to greater satisfaction for those practitioners and, most importantly, better health outcomes for our communities,” Ms Butler said.

“Nurses and midwives, who comprise the majority of the healthcare workforce, have the capacity, expertise, and education to vastly improve health equity and access for people living in all areas of Australia.

Read full article

Share this story

Stay up to date

Sign up to the ANMF website for national updates, campaigns and educational opportunities. We promise not to inundate your mailbox!

Read More

News

Stay up to date with key issues impacting nursing, midwifery and care industries.

Related

Tips on achieving mandatory continuous practice development

News Tips on achieving mandatory continuous practice development

21 June 2024

Continuous Practice Development (CPD) is a crucial aspect of professional practice for nurses and midwives in Australia....

Read more

Aged Care nurses visit Parliament to call out providers

News Aged Care nurses visit Parliament to call out providers

27 March 2024

Around 60 aged care nurses and carers from across the country have travelled to Canberra to address the ongoing failures...

Read more

The Nurse and Midwife Health Program Australia (NMHPA): What you need to know

News The Nurse and Midwife Health Program Australia (NMHPA): What you need to know

30 January 2024

Due to the nature of the work, nurses, and midwives as well as students of the professions face significant risks to the...

Read more