Published Friday, 01 August, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
New campaigns to recruit more nurses
Health Minister Stephen Robertson today launched two media campaigns designed by the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer to strengthen the State’s nursing workforce.
Minister Robertson said the nursing and midwifery shortage was not unique to Queensland but there was increasing demand in the State associated with the development of new health services, new hospitals, and an ageing and growing population.
“We also know fewer people are entering the nursing profession, hence the need for an innovative, targeted, and well-researched recruitment campaign,” he said.
“Despite recruiting more than 5,100 extra nurses since June 2005, Queensland Health still has around 1,400 nursing and midwifery vacancies across the State.
The two campaigns are designed to attract young people to nursing and midwifery, and encourage nurses and midwives to return to the workforce.
The “What am I? I’m a nurse” campaign targets 14 to 17-year-olds contemplating career choices and undergraduate course applications.
The “Nurse Returners” campaign targets both nurses and midwives who are not currently working and encourages them to rejoin the workforce.
Minister Robertson said the Bligh Government had made a substantial commitment to promoting nursing as a career.
“This commitment has been demonstrated in a variety of ways, including salary increases of 23 per cent over three years,” Minister Robertson said.
“We have also given support for clinical education and training, incentives for nurses to work in rural and remote areas, and funding for up to 50 nurse practitioner positions over three years.
“Currently there are 40 endorsed nurse practitioners in Queensland with a further 70 candidates completing their Masters in Nursing.
“Work is underway to broaden the practicing environment of the Enrolled Nurse into specialist areas, which will promote career pathways for Enrolled Nurses and acknowledge their integral role in the health care team.
Today’s campaign launch demonstrates the commitment of the Bligh Government to addressing nursing and midwifery workforce shortages and developing a world class health service in this State.
Ends.
Media: Kate Van Poelgeest 0458 449 267
Minister Robertson said the nursing and midwifery shortage was not unique to Queensland but there was increasing demand in the State associated with the development of new health services, new hospitals, and an ageing and growing population.
“We also know fewer people are entering the nursing profession, hence the need for an innovative, targeted, and well-researched recruitment campaign,” he said.
“Despite recruiting more than 5,100 extra nurses since June 2005, Queensland Health still has around 1,400 nursing and midwifery vacancies across the State.
The two campaigns are designed to attract young people to nursing and midwifery, and encourage nurses and midwives to return to the workforce.
The “What am I? I’m a nurse” campaign targets 14 to 17-year-olds contemplating career choices and undergraduate course applications.
The “Nurse Returners” campaign targets both nurses and midwives who are not currently working and encourages them to rejoin the workforce.
Minister Robertson said the Bligh Government had made a substantial commitment to promoting nursing as a career.
“This commitment has been demonstrated in a variety of ways, including salary increases of 23 per cent over three years,” Minister Robertson said.
“We have also given support for clinical education and training, incentives for nurses to work in rural and remote areas, and funding for up to 50 nurse practitioner positions over three years.
“Currently there are 40 endorsed nurse practitioners in Queensland with a further 70 candidates completing their Masters in Nursing.
“Work is underway to broaden the practicing environment of the Enrolled Nurse into specialist areas, which will promote career pathways for Enrolled Nurses and acknowledge their integral role in the health care team.
Today’s campaign launch demonstrates the commitment of the Bligh Government to addressing nursing and midwifery workforce shortages and developing a world class health service in this State.
Ends.
Media: Kate Van Poelgeest 0458 449 267