The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) asks the Australian Government to provide more support for nurses entering the workforce and targeted scholarships for future and advancing nurses, in its pre-budget submission.
ACN's submission outlines policies to support the continuation of Australians receiving the highest quality of health care.
A key recommendation calls on the Australian Government to support a transition to practice program (TTPP) to better equip nurses entering the workforce.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of ACN, Neil Haynes FCA FACN (Hon), said the program would mean more job opportunities for graduate nurses and would ensure they remain in the profession.
"The Government's policies mean more nurses graduate, but many struggle to find work once they've finished their degree," Mr Haynes said.
"With the government's support, the program will offer graduate nurses better employment prospects and allow them to explore opportunities in a range of health care settings."
ACN also called for additional nursing scholarships, targeting specialities that best address workforce demand.
"These scholarships will help nurses and students passionate about particular areas of health care to get the education they need to be leaders in their field," Mr Haynes said.
"They will create support for areas of need, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, aged care nursing and mental health nursing."
ACN has also called for research funding into the nursing workforce required to manage increasing demand for at-home care, ensuring best-practice clinical models that deliver the care patients want.
"This pilot research program will mean as demand for home care continues to rise, nurses can provide the best possible care to home care consumers," Mr Haynes said.
ACN's budget submission can be viewed at https://www.acn.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/pre-budget-submission-2021.pdf.
