Information for public health services
Return to Nursing Grant
The Department of Human Services provides funding to encourage the development and provision of programs to assist former nurses to return to nursing.
The Return to Nursing grant is paid to public health services to assist nurses to complete Return to Practice and Refresher programs.
Refresher programs
- Refresher programs
- Registered nurses who have current registration but have had a break from practice in either general or specialised areas of practice may benefit from a refresher program to update their knowledge and clinical skills.
- A refresher program underpinned by an individualised learning contract reflecting the needs of both the applicant and the health service is negotiated between the registered nurse and the health service.
- The Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) does not approve or accredit these programs, as they do not lead to registration.
- Public health services are eligible for funding for these programs.
- Grants of $4,000 per eligible nurse are paid to public health services to support Refresher programs.
Return to Practice programs
Return to Practice programs are for nurses and midwives who are not currently registered.
Under the Health Professions Registration Act 2005, the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) is responsible for determining the appropriate pathway for:
• Former nurses wishing to re-register
• Former nurses wishing to re-register and have re-endorsement as a midwife
• Nurses applying for registration for the first time in Victoria who have not practiced for a number of years.
The NBV may also provide guidance for nurses who intend to return to work in areas where the NBV recognises additional post-registration qualifications such as maternal and child health and psychiatric/mental health nursing.
Nurses wishing to undertake a Return to Practice Program must first apply to the NBV for re-registration. The NBV will provide written advice about the program that must be completed. This letter is valid for 2 years and must be provided to the accredited program provider to gain admission.
Further information about NBV policy about re-registration and the relevant programs can be found at www.nbv.org.au.
Grants of $2,200.00 per eligible nurse are paid to public health services to support Return to Practice programs including:
• NBV accredited Return to Practice program
• NBV accredited Supervised Practice program
• NBV accredited Re-entry program.
Return to Nursing Guidelines 2009-2010 (doc, 70 kbs)
Return to Nursing application form 2009-2010 (xls, 25 kbs)
Enquiries
Enquiries about funded programs can be directed to:Nurse Policy
Ph: 03 90967154
Email: nursepolicy@dhs.vic.gov.au