In an Australian first, the Northern Territory Government has launched a new way for nurse practitioners and nurses interested in upskilling to apply for roles across the Top End.
This year alone, the Territory has recruited 200 graduate and new-to-practice nurses.
An online register of interest is now available, where nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner candidates can proactively submit an application for upcoming positions in both hospital and primary healthcare settings.
Minister for Health, Selena Uibo said the innovative approach to recruitment aims to increase the Territory’s nurse practitioner workforce, creating tailored career pathways.
“The Territory Government is focussed on growing our workforce capabilities,” she said.
“The Territory is home to amazing training opportunities, and we want to facilitate learning while also growing our nursing workforce.
“The role of nurse practitioners is innovative. They deliver improved access to treatment, cost-effective and patient-centred care, and provide enhanced community based and outreach services in rural and remote communities. They also provide, mentorship and clinical expertise for other health professionals.
“In the NT, optimising the senior clinical nursing workforce is an important part of health service improvement. Nurse practitioners can help reduce preventable hospitalisations and improve patient health outcomes as well as access to services for high-needs populations.”
Applicants do not have to wait for a cohort intake or role to be advertised, and can highlight their clinical areas of interest.
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with the experience, expertise and authority to diagnose and treat people of all ages across a variety of specialist areas.
Nurse practitioners are the most senior and independent clinical nurses in the healthcare system and have completed additional university study at a master’s degree level.
Currently, across NT Health, there are around 22 nurse practitioners and 13 nurse practitioner candidates. This year, seven of those nurse practitioner candidates, supported by NT Health, are set to complete their qualification and progress into nurse practitioner roles.
To support the growing nurse practitioner workforce, NT Health has employed an Advanced Practice Nurse Management Coordinator, who will be focussed on attracting more nursing and midwifery specialists to the Territory.
To access the online register of interest for nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner candidates, visit: Jobs – Nurse Practitioner / Nurse Practitioner Candidate – Primary Health Care – All regions (nt.gov.au).
