Returning to nursing
How often do public health services run Refresher and Re-entry programs?
Most public health services run programs and courses when they need to recruit nurses and midwives to general or specific areas. Most only run programs as required.
Looking for funding support?
The Department of Health’s Return to Nursing program assists former nurses and midwives to return to the Victorian public health system. The program provides:
For Refresher programs
Grants of $4000 per eligible nurse/midwife paid to public health services to support them to run refresher programs.
Eligible refresher participants:
- Are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
- Negotiate individual learning contracts in general or specialist areas of nursing
- Do not pay for programs
- Are paid award rates
- Are offered employment on successful completion of the program.
Refresher programs are not accredited or approved by the NMBA as they do not lead to registration.
For Re-entry courses
Grants of $2200 per eligible nurse/midwife paid to public health services to support them to run re-entry courses.
Note: This funding stream has recommenced from August 2011.Eligible re-entry participants:
- Are not registered with the NMBA
- Hold current written advice from the NMBA or the former Nurses Board of Victoria to complete a re-entry course
- Do not pay for the course
- Are not paid while undertaking the course
- Are registered on successful completion of the course.
Re-entry courses:
- Have clinical and theoretical components
- Vary in duration, from about six to twelve weeks full time, depending on the course and the individual’s progress
- Part time may be negotiable.
For public health services wishing to apply:
Return to Nursing Program Guidelines, Dec 2011 –June 2012 (pdf, 187kb)
Return to Nursing Program Application form 2011-12 (xls, 154kb)
Enquiries
Ph: 03 9096 7528
Email: nursepolicy@health.vic.gov.au
Contact the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia with enquiries about registration and re-registration:
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Ph: 1300 419 495 or use the on-line enquiry form
www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nursing/returning/information-for-nurses Expiry 30 June 2011