REFRESHER PROGRAM HELPS TERRITORY'S NURSES AND MIDWIVES RETURN TO WORK

As part of the 2005-06 budget initiatives, ACT Health Minister Simon Corbell today announced the development of an ACT-wide refresher and re-entry program to assist and support nurses and midwives wishing to return to the workforce after an absence from the professions.  

Funding of $500,000 has been allocated for this initiative.

"This is a welcomed addition that represents a critical part of this Government’s comprehensive strategy to recruit and retain nurses and midwives in the ACT," Mr Corbell said.

"The program will help ensure the competency of nurses and midwives, and that they update their knowledge and skills in order to register with the Nurse's Board of the ACT to practice in their profession.

"The nursing and midwifery environment is dynamic, and technology is rapidly changing. 

"New drugs, increasingly complex procedures and changing practises — when combined with prolonged absences from working in the field of Nursing and Midwifery — make it difficult to maintain currency of practice and competency without this prudent measure.  

"Our funding will provide for the development of a well structured, but flexible and accessible program to assist and support those who have been out of workforce to progress their careers in nursing and midwifery," Mr Corbell said.   

This program will provide structured support and formal education to revise, update and expand the skills and knowledge base of nurses and midwives.
Statement ends