Frequently Asked Questions

This page has some Frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers about nursing in Victoria and the Nurse Policy Branch of DHS. More FAQs will be added in response to the types of enquiries we get.

General FAQ's
Nursing Traineeships FAQ's
Division 2 FAQ's
Nurse on Call
Nurse Practitioner FAQ's
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

General FAQ's

• What is the scope of what a nurse in Victoria can do?
• Is there new legislation for nurses in Victoria?
• How do I find out what the changes will mean?
• How will national registration affect nurses in Victoria?
• I used to be a nurse.  What do I have to do to be able to start working as nurse again?
• I have been told I need to do a course before I can re-register as a nurse.  Who pays for this course?
• Where can I do a nursing degree?
• What subjects do I need to get into nursing?
• I want to come and work in Australia as a nurse.  What do I have to do?
• I want to be a School Nurse.  What do I have to do?
• How do I become a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nurse?
• How do I become a Mothercraft Nurse?
• I need a transcript of my original nursing course but the School of Nursing has closed.  What can I do?
• I have a question about wage rates, allowances or entitlements?
• How do I find out about nurse: patient ratios and/or pay rates in my area?
• How can I find out the Refugee Health Nurse Program?
• Are registered nurses required to report suspected child abuse and neglect? 

What is the scope of what a nurse in Victoria can do?

• There is often confusion about what nurses can and cannot do in practice.   Much of what we may think of a nurse being 'allowed' to do may be just 'custom and practice'. In fact, there are very few activities that are specifically restricted. For further in formation please see the What can Nurses in Victoria Do? page

Is there new legislation for nurses in Victoria?

• The Nurses Act (and other health professional Acts) was repealed and a new single Act covering 11 health professionals including nurses commenced on the 1st July 2007, called the Health Professionals Registration Act 2005.   

How do I find out what the changes mean?

• A copy of the Health Professionals Registration Act 2005, can be found at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pracreg/hp-review.htm
• For more information about the way in which the act will operate, go to http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pracreg/hp-review.htm.  There are information sheets on this site.
• Alternatively you can contact the Nurses Board of Victoria.  Tel (03) 8635 1200.

How will national registration affect nurses in Victoria?

• The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has signed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) committing the states, territories and the Commonwealth to establish a single national registration and accreditation scheme for health practitioners that is to be operational by 1 July 2010.  National arrangements will replace the current state/territory statutory registration boards (including Victoria's) and will initially apply to nurses and midwives and the eight other health professions that are covered by statutory regulation/registration in all jurisdictions.
  More information about the scheme is available from the Health Practitioner Regulation in Victoria webpage: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pracreg/natdev.htm
  
• The Nurses Board of Victoria also provides regular updates on progress towards national registration and how it will impact on nurses and midwives in Victoria. Go to: http://www.nbv.org.au/web/guest/home

I used to be a nurse.  What do I have to do to be able to start working as nurse again?

• You need to discuss your case with the Nurses Board of Victoria to get advice about what you need to do to be re-registered as a nurse.    If  the Nurse Board of Victoria advises that you need to undertake a return to practice course, the Board has a list of accredited providers of these courses. http://www.nbv.org.au/education/return-to-practice.aspx

I have been told I need to do a course before I can re-register as a nurse.  Who pays for this course?

• The Victorian Government provides a variety of funding and support to assist individuals to return to nursing practice.  To find details of these programs, go to: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nursing/returning/index.htm

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Where can I do a nursing degree?

• NBV website has information on accredited course providers at http://www.nbv.org.au/nbv/nbvonlinev1.nsf/$LookupDocName/student_information
  
• Additional information and University websites can all be accessed through http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nursing/career/becoming.htm and the VTAC course search website at http://www.vtac.edu.au/courses/searchcourse.html

What subjects do I need to get into nursing?

• Information about Year 10 or 11 subjects can be found on the VTAC http://www.vtac.edu.au/publications/  or you can look at the course prerequisites for the course you are interested in by going to the universities websites.

I want to come and work in Australia as a nurse.  What do I have to do?

• Overseas nurses wishing to work in Australia are required to fulfil a number of criteria prior to arriving in for Australia.  Information of these requirements can be found at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nursing/career/overseas.htm

I want to be a School Nurse.  What do I have to do?

• For information about School Nursing you can contact;
• Primary School Nursing - Stephanie Jones 9096 8653
• Secondary School Nursing - Julie Hopkins 9096 9703

How do I become a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nurse?

• In Victoria, Maternal & Child Health Nurses are registered nurses who generally have postgraduate Midwifery qualifications, who then go on to do additional qualifications in Maternal & Child Health.    Information on MCH nursing can be found at: http://www.mav.asn.au/CA257168002B8682/pages/home?OpenDocument

How do I become a mothercraft nurse?

• It is no longer possible to become a “mothercraft nurse” in Victoria.   Mothercraft nurse training has ceased in Victoria in the 1990s and the register for mothercraft nurses closed in 1993.
  
• Family and child health nursing is a specialised field of nursing that focuses on the theory and practice of caring for babies and their families. To practice in this field you must study nursing or midwifery first.
  
• There are two levels of nurse in Australia (Registered Nurse (RN) Division 1 and Division 2) and there are opportunities to work within family and child health settings as well as further studies in the area for both levels of nurse.
  
• For information about becoming a nurse, please refer to http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nursing/career

I need a transcript of my original nursing course but the School of Nursing has closed.  What can I do?

• A member of Nurse Policy Branch may be able to assist you to find any relevant records that may be held in the Department.  Please contact Andrew Oates, Project Officer, NPB. http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nursing/contactus.htm

I have a question about wage rates, allowances or entitlements?

• The Australian Industrial Relations Commission  holds a copy of all awards and agreements currently active in Victoria. The Nurses (Victorian Public Health Sector) Multi-Business Agreement 2004-2007 is agreement ID AG840794 and contains the relevant information on wage rates and allowances in public sector nursing.

How do I find out about nurse: patient ratios and/or pay rates in my area?

• If you work in the public Sector (public health service):
  The Industrial Relations Multiple Employer Agreement 2007-2011. SCHEDULE C, located from page 57, list the ratios and provides an interpretation of the terms and use.  SCHEDULE A ,of the same award ,lists which health services are covered by the ratios.
  
  
• If you work in public Sector Mental Health:
  The current Victorian Psychiatric Services Agreement can be sourced form the Workplace Authority . 
  
• If you work in the private Sector
  You can access your current work place agreement though the Workplace Authority. Please note: There are two different searches available.  One if your workplace agreement was signed before 27 March 2006 and one if it was signed after 27 March 2006.

How can I find out the Refugee Health Nurse Program?

• The Refugee Health Nurse Program (RHNP) aims to provide a coordinated approach by recruiting community health nurses with expertise in working with culturally and linguistically diverse and marginalised communities. The nurses are based in community health services with high refugee populations.
  
• For more information go to: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/communityhealth/refugee_health/index.htm or contact the Primary Health Programs area of DHS on Tel (61 3) 9096 8762

Are registered nurses required to report suspected child abuse and neglect?

• Yes, in Victoria (as in all states and territories), nurses, medical practitioners, teachers and police have mandatory reporting obligations under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.
  
• In Victoria, nurses must report such cases to Child Protection or the new Child FIRST intake service.

For more information or guidance:
http://www.office-for-children.vic.gov.au/family-services/how-to-make-a-referral-or-report
http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/pubs/sheets/rs3/rs3.html

Nursing Traineeships FAQ's

• Can I do a traineeship in nursing?
• What is a traineeship?
• Is a TAFE Institute able to deliver RN Div1 nursing courses?
• Can I do my traineeship part-time?
• How is a traineeship different from a full time/part time program?
• How do I find a traineeship?
• Where would I work as a trainee nurse?
• What kind of wage does a trainee earn?
• Which training providers are currently offering traineeship programs?
  

Can I do a traineeship in nursing?

• Yes, in Victoria you can do a Certificate IV in nursing, a nationally recognized qualification that leads to registration as a Division 2 nurse. Division 1 nurse training is a bachelor degree course at university. For further information on these courses look on the Nursing in Victoria website at: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nursing/career/becoming

What is a traineeship?

• A traineeship (also known as an Australian Apprenticeship) is a combination of paid work and off-the-job training. It is underpinned by a training contract between the employer and trainee and a training plan that also includes a registered training organisation (RTO) in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector such as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) facilities and private providers.

Is a TAFE Institute able to deliver RN Div1 nursing courses?

• The Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) has legal authority under the Health Professionals Registration Act 2005 to approve courses that provide qualifications for registration purposes. (Further information can be accessed at the Nurse Board of Victoria).
  
• From January 2009, Holmesglen Institute, of TAFE has gained NBV approval to deliver a Bachelor of Nursing qualification.
  
• The standards and approval processes that are in place mean that every provider of the Bachelor of Nursing leading to registration must be an approved higher education provider (AHEP) or university.
  
• In addition to NBV processes, National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes ensure that there are consistent criteria and standards across Australia that apply equally to university and non-university degree providers (including TAFE institutions).   These protocols are endorsed by Ministerial Council on Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA).
  
• Victorian nurses who hold Bachelor of Nursing qualifications from approved higher education providers will not be disadvantaged in the move to a national registration and qualifications accreditation system. (Refer to http://www.nhwt.gov.au/natreg.asp for more information)
  

Can I do my traineeship part-time?

• It can be full-time or part-time work with a minimum of 15 hours per week ¿ full-time traineeships are usually 2 years. However, the timeframes are now more flexible as the criteria for completion have been relaxed.

How is a traineeship different from a full time/part time program?

• A traineeship is employer based while a full-time or part-time program is based at the training provider. Currently the Division 2 nursing course is 1 year full time or 2 years part-time; a traineeship is 2 years including the work-based element.

How do I find a traineeship?

• There are several ways to get a traineeship in nursing:

(i) Traineeships are publicised and filled like any other jobs employers have available (e.g. advertisements, Centrelink, Job Network)

(ii) You can enquire through Australian Apprenticeships Centres this is a network of local centres set up by the commonwealth government to assist people interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship. They will provide advice and direct inquiries to training providers or employers. You can find links to these at: http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au//default.asp

(iii) You can enquire with your local TAFE/training provider: some training providers obtain government funding and set up partnerships with employers to develop traineeship programs for which they advertise and recruit.

Where would I work as a trainee nurse?

• Most trainee positions are in aged care although there are sometimes opportunities in hospital acute care.

What kind of wage does a trainee earn?

• Trainee wages were set as part of the latest EBA. The Nurses (Victorian Public Health Sector) pay tables  give further information.
  

Which training providers are currently offering traineeship programs?

• The Nurses Board of Victoria approves all Victorian traineeship programs. These programs are delivered by TAFE institutes and private training providers. Details of the providers are at: http://www.nbv.org.au/education/student-information.aspx
  
• Not all of these providers currently run programs for trainees. You should inquire at your local training provider as to whether they are offering traineeship programs.

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Division 2 Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Division 2 Registered Nurse?
Where can I find information about Division 2 Nursing courses?
What are the entry requirements?
What study modes are available with the Division 2 nurse courses?
What qualifications are available as a Division 2 Nurse?
Do I need to be registered to work?
How do I know what I can and cannot do in my employment as a Division 2 nurse?
Where do Division 2 Registered Nurses work?
Where can I find a job as a Division 2 Registered Nurse?
Once registered, can I work in other States or Territories?

What is a Division 2 Registered Nurse?  

• Division 2 Registered Nurses are a valued member of the Victorian nursing workforce and contribute to the delivery of quality healthcare across a variety of service and clinical environments.
• The Division 2 Registered Nurse in Victoria is a member of a healthcare team who provides nursing care along side Division 1 registered Nurses who supervise and coordinate nursing care activities.
• At all times the Division 2 Registered Nurse retains responsibility for his or her own actions whilst remaining accountable to a Division 1 Registered Nurse for all delegated functions.

Where can I find information about Division 2 Nursing courses?

• The Nurses Board of Victoria has responsibility under the Health Professionals Registration Act 2005 to accredit courses that provide qualifications for registration purposes. Further information can be accessed at the Nurse Board of Victoria.
• The TAFE courses directory provides an up-to-date listing of all accredited courses offered from TAFE institutes and other training providers across Victoria. Further information can be accessed at here.

What are the entry requirements?

• Prospective students may be required to satisfy the following pre-course requirements:

1. Entry test
2. Interview 
3. Medical terminology qualification
4. Level 2 first aid qualification
5. Police check

• Entrance requirements vary between providers.

What study modes are available with the Division 2 nurse courses?

• TAFE providers offering nursing qualifications generally deliver them full-time and part-time.

What qualifications are available as a Division 2 Nurse?

• From January 2008 a new qualification from the Health Training Package (HLT07) will be available for Division 2 Registered Nurses. For the first time the Health Training Package includes national qualifications for Division 2 Registered Nurses.   
• HLT43407 Certificate IV in Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing) is accredited by Nurses Board of Victoria and will replace the current Victorian based qualification (21358VIC).  The new qualification incorporates units in medicines administration previously covered in the Course in Medication Administration for Division 2 Registered Nurses in Victoria (21506VIC).
• Additional qualifications in the Health Training Package at the Diploma and Advanced Diploma provide the opportunity for Division 2 Registered Nurses to upgrade their skills with either full qualifications or specialist units in many fields including acute care, palliative care and mental health.

Do I need to be registered to work?

• Yes. To work as a Division 2 Registered Nurse in Victoria (Enrolled nurse elsewhere) you are required under the Health Professionals Regulation Act 2005 to be registered with the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV). Registered Nurses wanting to check the status of their registration can do so via the public register maintained by the NBV.
• Re-registration is an annual requirement for all nurses. This should occur prior to December 31st.
• More information regarding registration, the Act and the public register can be found at the Nurse Board of Victoria.

How do I know what I can and cannot do in my employment as a Division 2 nurse?

• The Nurse Board of Victoria has published guidelines titled 'Scope of Nursing & Midwifery Practice and Delegation and Supervision for Registered Nurses and Midwives'. These guidelines enable a nurse to make decisions about their practice.
• Health services and employers provide organisational policies, protocols and safety frameworks that determine what activities their nursing staff can safely undertake or perform.

Where do Division 2 Registered Nurses work?

• Division 2 nurses work across a diverse variety of practice areas including community, acute and sub-acute. Practice areas include:

•  Emergency  •  Rehabilitation
•  Peri-operative •  Aged Care
•  Mental Health •  Palliative Care
•  Mother and Baby Care  

Where can I find a job as a Division 2 Registered Nurse?

• Now more than ever, opportunities exist for Division 2 Registered Nurses in the health system. Health services maintain career web pages displaying vacancies within their service and clinical environments. 
• Nursing vacancies in the public health system are mostly advertised here

Once registered, can I work in other States or Territories?

• Yes. Cross-border recognition for nurses is available from other regulating authorities. Some restrictions on nursing practice may apply dependant upon other State and Territory training requirements, namely the administration of medicines.

What is NURSE-ON-CALL?

Personal Care Assistants

• No. 
• A nurse (AKA, a Registered Nurse) is someone who has undertaken a nursing and/or midwifery qualification and is registered with the Nurses Board of Victoria. 
  *A Patient Care Assistant/worker may also be referred to as a health care assistant/worker, personal services assistant or a variety of other titles.
• Whatever the job title, a PCA is not a registered health professional but may (or may not) have undertaken training such as a Certificate II or III in health services assistance or aged care.
• For information about PCA training, go to: http://www.shortcourses.vic.gov.au/search.asp

• In general, a PCA provides support and assistance to patients in a variety of health, welfare and community settings (ANZSCO definition for 4 423313) such as assistance or care while eating, dressing and walking about.  In practice, the functions or tasks that make a PCA’s role will depend on the patients/clients being cared for and their needs, the setting and the other members of the team and their roles. 
• Whatever the PCA job description includes, the PCA and their employers must be sure they have the appropriate skills and knowledge to do the task, including knowing what to report and who to report to, and they are supported to safely perform their role in the team.

• There is no requirement to be registered/licensed to work as a personal care assistant/worker (or other such job title).
• If you are working as a personal care assistant/worker (or other such job title), you should ensure that your position description reflects the actual work that you are undertaking and is clear that you are not working as a registered nurse.
• The conditions you are employed under should be clear and you should be aware that if there is an adverse clinical outcome, your nursing knowledge may be taken into account.

• Yes, as long as you don’t “hold yourself out” to be a nurse (that is: imply or say you are being employed as a registered nurse) while you are working as personal care assistant/worker (or other such job title).
• The conditions you are employed under should be clear and you should be aware that if there is an adverse clinical outcome, your nursing knowledge may be taken into account.