Division 2 Intravenous Reference Group

- Update Three, December 2008 -

Developing the medicines capability of division 2 nurses is an innovative and important area of activity associated with the Nurse Policy Branch Division 2 Strategy which has recently been reviewed and available here.

Between March and November 2008, the Division 2 Intravenous Reference Group provided advice and guidance to DHS and NBV on establishing a framework for safe and competent practice for division 2 nurses to administer medicines intravenously. 

The range of issues considered by the reference group over this period included:

• Methods of consultation with the profession
• Challenges associated with intravenous administration by division 2 nurses
• Intravenous practices of Enrolled Nurses in other States/ Territories
• Utilisation of division 2 nurses throughout health services
• Competency-based learning, and
• Career pathways for endorsed division 2 nurses

In setting this policy direction, Nurse Policy Branch and the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) has benefited from having a diverse group of respected professionals to provide advice and expertise.   Nurse Policy Branch and the NBV would like to acknowledge the reference group and thank its members for their attendance and highly valuable and informative contribution.

Next Steps:

In 2009, NBV will undertake further consultation with the profession and stakeholders in determining the minimum educational requirements for division 2 nurses to be endorsed to administer intravenously. This work will include reviewing the proposed training and the current endorsement structure that recognises the different levels of practice associated with division 2 nurses administering medicines that exist within Victoria.

Further updates on the work to include intravenous capability within the division 2 nurse role will be provided on the Nursing in Victoria website and on the NBV website.

- Update Two, 31st July 2008 -

The Division 2 Intravenous Reference Group has met four times since its formation. Discussion has focused on topics including the legislative, regulatory and organisational considerations around Division 2 nurses undertaking intravenous administration of medicines.

Officers from the Nurse Policy Branch and the Nurses Board of Victoria have also visited other States to understand and report back to the group how this practice occurs.

The Nurses Board of Victoria has released a Discussion Paper and seeking written feedback by Monday, August 11th 2008. The paper can be viewed here. 

Nurse Policy Branch has also released the Registered Nurse Division 2 and Intravenous Administration: Primer Paper (June 2008), which includes background information and facts about intravenous administration by enrolled nurses in other states and territories. The purpose of this paper is to enable nurses, professional groups and employers to engage in informed debate and discussion of the issues.

A copy of the Nurse Policy Branch Primer Paper can be downloaded for distribution.

 Registered Nurses Division 2 and intravenous administration. A primer paper June 2008 (pdf, 723kb)

- Update One -

The Nurse Policy Branch in partnership with the Nurses Board of Victoria has formed a reference group to inform the development of a framework for safe and competent intravenous practice by division 2 nurses.
This activity builds on work previously undertaken enabling division 2 nurses to administer oral, enteral, intramuscular and subcutaneous medicines.
Reference group membership is comprised of representatives from government, regulatory, service, industrial, professional and educational stakeholders including:

• Department of Human Services
• The Nurses Board of Victoria
• Directors of Nursing
• Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch)
• Community Services and Health Industry Training Board
• Curriculum Maintenance Manager
• Enrolled Nurse Special Interest Group
• Health and Community Services Union
• Health Services Union of Australia
• Monitoring Delivery Committee
• National Enrolled Nurse Association

There will be broad consultation with stakeholders, consumers and other health professionals on the framework.

The first meeting of the reference group occurred on Thursday, April 10th 2008.
Regular updates will be jointly posted here and www.nbv.org.au