Nurses and midwives with PhD qualifications are being offered weekly study leave to further their clinical and academic careers, under a new program offered by Western Health, in partnership with Deakin University, the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Victoria University (VU).
The 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 their clinical practice.
Prof Shane Crowe, Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery at Western Health, said Western Health was proud to be supporting its nurses and midwives wishing to pursue clinical academic careers, and thanked Deakin University, ACU and VU 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," Prof 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."
As part of the Nursing and Midwifery Clinical Academic Pathway program, participants will hold an honorary or adjunct appointment with Deakin University, ACU or VU, providing: an academic title and recognition; access to the relevant university's libraries and digital resources; mentorship from experienced academic researchers, opportunities to collaborate in teaching, seminars and research forums; and opportunities to co-supervise honours, masters and doctoral students.
Deakin's Dean of Nursing and Midwifery, Prof Nikki Phillips, said Western Health's Nursing and Midwifery Clinical Academic Pathway was an exciting initiative supporting PhD prepared clinical nurses and midwives while building research capacity within Western Health.
"Deakin is delighted to support the honorary appointments, as part of our longstanding partnership with Western Health," Prof Phillips said.
"Deakin and Western Health's jointly appointed Chair in Nursing, Prof Rochelle Wynne, and Chair in Midwifery, Prof Linda Sweet, along with their research teams will provide mentorship, research acumen and direct collaboration with Deakin's Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research enabling investigation of health service priorities to improve patient and maternity outcomes".
Victoria University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Impact, Professor Andy Hill said: "As a key partner of Western Health with a significant research presence in the New Footscray Hospital, we are delighted to support this program.
"With Victoria University's research emphasis on chronic disease prevention, health equity, and integrated care models, we look forward to working with talented nurses and midwives who share our commitment to excellence and impactful research outcomes.'
Professor Beth Jacob, Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine Victoria at the Australian Catholic University, said: "We are proud to be part of this important initiative led by Western Health.
"It is encouraging to see the value of research within health services recognised through these dedicated positions. 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."
