An independent review of how Australia finds, prepares and trains its nurses is to be conducted this year.
Announced by the Minister for Regional Services, Senator Bridget McKenzie, the review – Educating the Nurse of the Future – will be the first of its kind since 2002 and will examine how nurses are educated to ensure they meet the expectations of the community and maintain professional standards.
“Nurses hold a very special place in our community and the medical profession and we want to make sure this continues to be the case,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The Review will look at issues like making sure the nursing profession remains an attractive career option for students; ensuring that our nursing education system is internationally competitive; and that career pathways for the Enrolled, Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners are relevant.
“It will also look at the nursing requirements of regional Australia.”
She said the review would be undertaken by Emeritus Professor Steven Schwartz who has experience both in Australia and internationally and would bring real-world commercial involvement to the role.
“His experience as Vice Chancellor for three universities demonstrates that he understands the changing role of these institutions and how they need to reflect the demands of the nursing profession,” Senator McKenzie said.
