Returning to nursing
Getting back into nursing or midwifery
Clinical care, knowledge and skills are changing rapidly and you need much more than the ‘basics of care’ to be able to work safely and effectively. So when you’re exploring a return to practice, remember that getting back on the register is not an automatic entitlement, and that most public health services run programs and courses only when they need to recruit nurses and midwives to general or specific areas.
To find out more about returning to practice (or if you are thinking of having a break), you should read this factsheet first.
Nurses and midwives with current registration
You can check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website to see if you’re registered as a nurse and/or midwife – http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx
If you’re currently registered but have had a break from practice, consider a refresher program to update your knowledge and clinical skills. Several Victorian public health services offer on-the-job refresher programs, allowing you to update while working and being paid a full salary.
The Department of Health’s Return to Nursing program may assist public health services who wish to employ former nurses and midwives through a re-entry program or refresher programs. If you are interested first refer to the program guidelines and then speak to your employer or prospective employer.
To find out about refresher programs, speak with your prospective employer or phone Nursing and Midwifery Policy on 909 67154.
Nurses and midwives with lapsed registration
Read our fact sheet first.If you’re a former registered nurse, enrolled nurse or midwife, contact the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to find out how to regain your registration or endorsement. http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/
NMBA may advise you to complete a re-entry course. Find a list of approved public and private providers on the NMBA web site at http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Accreditation.aspx
Contact course providers to find out if and when places are available.
Funding support
The Department of Health’s Return to Nursing program may assist former nurses and midwives to return to the Victorian public health system.
Note: the re-entry funding stream recommenced in August 2011.Need to know more?
Contact Nursing and Midwifery Policy on 909 67154