Grants are available to establish or expand nurse practitioner positions. Photo: Brand Tasmania, Tasmanian Government.
Under a new initiative from the Tasmanian Government, private medical practices in the state will be able to access up to $300,000 a year to establish, expand or enhance nurse practitioner positions.
The Private Practice Incentive Program — Nurse Practitioner system will help grow the state’s nurse practitioner workforce and improve access to specialist and primary healthcare.
The system creates more employment opportunities for nurse practitioners, incentivising them to work in Tasmania.
“Our government is building an even better health system by supporting private practices to employ more nurse practitioners; we can increase the healthcare capacity available in communities that need it most,’’ Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer said.
“Funding will support private practices to establish, expand or enhance nurse practitioner positions and build sustainable workforce capacity.
“Priority will be given to proposals that improve access to healthcare services, especially in communities experiencing workforce shortages and barriers to care.”
Eligible projects can include new positions for nurse practitioners, nurse practitioner-led clinics, innovative models of care and extended hours of service.
The plan is part of the government’s plan to boost healthcare across the state.
Grants are available for up to two years, with annual funding from $150,000 to $300,000 per practice, depending on the number of nurses employed.
The program follows the release earlier this year of a new Nurse Practitioner Strategy to provide a sustainable vision for the nurse practitioner workforce with a scholarship scheme to support registered nurses to obtain their Master of Nurse Practitioner qualifications.
Successful projects are expected to demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond the funding period.
Applications are now open, with more information available online.
