Nurses and midwives with PhD qualifications are being offered weekly study leave to further their clinical and academic careers in a new Western Health partnership with Australian Catholic University, Deakin and Victoria University.
The new Nursing and Midwifery Clinical Academic Pathway is one of the first programs in Australia to provide protected and dedicated research time – one day per week, pro-rata – for eligible nurses and midwives while they continue clinical practice.
As part of program, participants will hold an honorary or adjunct appointment with either ACU, VU or Deakin University which will provide an academic title and support.
It will include mentorship from experienced academic researchers, opportunities to collaborate in teaching, seminars and research forums and opportunities to co-supervise honours, master and doctoral students.
The head of ACU's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine Victoria Professor Beth Jacob said the university was proud to be part of this exciting and important initiative.
"It is encouraging to see the value of research within health services recognised through these dedicated positions," Professor Jacob said.
"This program not only enhances patient care through evidence-based practice but also strengthens career pathways for nurses by supporting their clinical and academic development."
Western Health's executive director nursing and midwifery Professor Shane Crowe said Western Health was proud to be supporting its nurses and midwives wishing to pursue clinical academic careers, and thanked ACU, VU and Deakin University for supporting the initiative.
"This innovative program is a rare opportunity for nurses and midwives to be able to balance a career practicing clinically, whilst undertaking nurse-led and midwife-led research," Professor Crowe said.
"I am excited about the anticipated impact of these highly qualified health professionals having the protected time to address complex health challenges and make positive change through translational research.
"Western Health's investment in this program will enable participants to improve health care practices, grow and sustain clinical scholarship, and work towards becoming independent, grant-funded researcher leaders in the largest sector of the healthcare workforce."
