The Finocchiaro CLP Government is growing the Territory's Aboriginal nursing and midwifery workforce with the launch of the Aboriginal Enrolled Nurse Training program.The program supports Aboriginal school leavers with career pathways into nursing and midwifery.Seven participants are taking part in the program in its first year, coming from Arnhem Land, Croker Island, Alice Springs, Tiwi Islands, Kalkaringi and Darwin.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has launched the Aboriginal Enrolled Nurse Training program, investing in the future of Aboriginal health professionals and growing the Territory's Aboriginal nursing and midwifery workforce.
Minister for Health, Steve Edgington, said the Aboriginal Enrolled Nurse Training program supports Aboriginal school leavers with career pathways into nursing and midwifery through funded tuition, part-time employment, and mentoring.
"We said 2026 will be a year of growth, certainty and security, and we are growing our Aboriginal nursing and midwifery workforce with the launch of the Aboriginal Enrolled Nurse Training program.
"Growing our Aboriginal nursing and midwifery workforce is essential to delivering high quality care in every region of the Territory.
"The Aboriginal Enrolled Nurse Training Program is a significant investment in developing local talent and supporting the next generation of Aboriginal health professionals.
"This program is designed so participants can succeed as future enrolled nurses working in their own communities.
"The CLP promised to make the Territory the best place to live and work, and we are investing in more jobs for Aboriginal Territorians, including in health," Mr Edgington said.
Seven participants are taking part in the program in its first year, coming from Arnhem Land, Croker Island, Alice Springs, Tiwi Islands, Kalkaringi and Darwin.
The program enables participants to complete a Diploma of Nursing through a local education provider while undertaking healthcare work experience two days a week over an 18-month period.
After completion of the program, participants are eligible to register as an enrolled nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia, and to undertake a graduate program at an NT Health hospital.
The students are guided and supervised by a registered nurse to learn a range of skills including maintaining a safe environment, assisting patients with personal care, and undertaking specific client observations.
NT Health also works with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) to deliver culturally secure mentoring and wraparound support for students to improve course completion and retention.
The students have begun their work placement at Royal Darwin Hospital and work closely together using a buddy system to check in on each other and share their learning experiences.
Participant Devina Parry, 18, from the Tiwi Islands said, "I hope to get more experience and knowledge to become a Registered Nurse and give back to the community.
"I encourage family to get into healthcare."
