Training and Development

Background

The Training and Development Grant (T&D Grant) was introduced into the original casemix formula to recognise the additional costs (both direct and indirect) inherent in the teaching, training and research activities of teaching hospitals.

The activities funded under the T&D Grant have been inextricably linked to clinical hospital services. The intention of the grant is to recognise and support the resource intensive clinical component of graduate programs and specialty postgraduate courses.

Funding - Nursing Component

Under the early graduate and workforce priorities streams of the T&D Grant, the following funding is provided to Nursing:

Early Graduate Nurse: includes support for Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, and double degree graduates

Postgraduate Education for Nurses: includes support for certificates, diplomas and Master level studies in targeted areas

Student Midwife Programs: includes support for employment and clinical placement models

(Note:  This funding does not include specialist mental health graduate programs, or palliative care early graduate support, as these programs are funded through Mental Health Services and the Cancer & Palliative Care Unit of the Metropolitan Health & Aged Care Services Division.)

In addition, funding is provided to eligible health services to support continuing nurse education programs. 

Health services that receive funding under the Nursing component of the T&D Grant are required to submit an annual reconciliation and projection of EFT (equivalent full-time positions).

Health services must seek approval from the Principal Nurse Advisor/Director of the Nurse Policy Branch for any increase in numbers over and above approved numbers submitted for the start of an academic year.

Review of Nursing Component of T&D Grant

The review of the early graduate stream for nurses will continue in 2008–09. The review will provide advice on the distribution and allocation of funded positions, an alternative funding model based on nursing EFT and performance indicators, for example training levels and activity. Funding rates, eligibility and processes are also being considered as well as models to support smaller and regional health services. Implementation of review outcomes is scheduled to take effect from the 2010 calendar year.

Contact

All enquires can be directed to the Project Officer, Nurse Policy Branch Funded Programs.