Lexi Webster
Nurses and midwives make up the largest sector in the Australian health workforce, with around 450,000 registered practitioners. In Western Australia, there is a notable concentration of nurses and midwives in Perth, where they are attracted by the region's high quality of life, including its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and world-class entertainment, arts, and culture. However, Western Australia's primary health care (PHC) nurses are the most underutilised in Australia, according to a national survey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of nurses in Western Australia | 96,000 (Primary Health Care nurses) |
| Number of registered nurses and midwives in Australia | 450,000 |
| Number of professional associations for nurses and midwives in Australia | Over 50 |
| Number of PHC nurses in Australia | 98,000+ |
| Number of total registered health professionals in Australia | 640,000 |
| Percentage of PHC nurses in Western Australia who are not being utilised most of the time | 36% |
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What You'll Learn
- Western Australia's PHC nurses are the most underutilised in the country
- Perth, Western Australia, is a top choice for nurses and midwives
- Nurses in Western Australia are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board
- There are over 50 professional associations for nurses in Australia
- Nurses in Western Australia are compensated based on qualifications, experience and seniority
Western Australia's PHC nurses are the most underutilised in the country
Australia has around 450,000 registered nurses and midwives, making them the largest clinical workforce in the country. However, Western Australia's primary health care (PHC) nurses are the most underutilised in the country, according to a national survey of Australia's PHC nursing workforce. The 2022 APNA Workforce Survey, conducted by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), found that more than one-third (36%) of all PHC nurses working in Western Australia are not being utilised most of the time. This is despite the ageing population and the subsequent rise in chronic disease prevalence, which has led to a nurse shortage in general practice and other non-hospital settings.
The underutilisation of PHC nurses in Western Australia is a missed opportunity for the state's health system, patients, and employers. PHC nurses are highly skilled and experienced, and their care can include cardiovascular education, vaccinations, wound care, and preventative health approaches such as primary health care screening and advising people on self-care. By not utilising these nurses to their full potential, valuable resources are being wasted, and the state's healthcare needs are not being met.
APNA President Karen Booth has emphasised the importance of empowering PHC nurses to work to their full scope of practice. She has stated that the underutilisation of nurse skills is a "waste of nursing skill, knowledge, and enthusiasm" and that the Western Australian health system cannot afford to have highly skilled and motivated nurses sitting idle. Ms Booth's statements highlight the need for better utilisation of PHC nurses to improve healthcare outcomes and address the state's healthcare challenges.
The APNA Workforce Survey is a valuable tool for understanding the underutilisation of PHC nurses in Western Australia and across the country. With nearly 4,000 responses, it provides a comprehensive insight into the experiences of PHC nurses and the impact of underutilisation on their careers and the healthcare system. The survey's findings have sparked discussions and initiatives to address the issue and improve the utilisation of PHC nurses in Western Australia and beyond.
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Perth, Western Australia, is a top choice for nurses and midwives
With around 450,000 registered nurses and midwives, the profession makes up the largest sector in Australia's health workforce. Perth, in Western Australia, is a top choice for many of these nurses and midwives for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, Perth boasts a diverse wildlife experience and many natural beauties to discover. Rottnest Island, just 18km offshore, is known for its swimming, snorkelling and fishing in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Penguin Island, a 45-minute journey south of Perth, is one of Australia's most beautiful nature reserves. The region also has an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, which is significantly warmer than other parts of the country. This means that while others are experiencing the 'winter blues', Perth residents can enjoy the sun and benefit from increased levels of serotonin.
Perth is also home to over 30 metropolitan hospitals and hundreds of small healthcare facilities, providing 1.6 million locals with premium healthcare. These include 14 public hospitals, 13 private hospitals, 3 jointly operated hospitals, and 1 Commonwealth facility. Nurses and midwives in Perth can therefore enjoy the security of regular work, as well as the freedom to choose when and where they work.
The West Coast of Australia is also known for its world-class entertainment, arts and culture, and excellent restaurants and bars. Brookfield Place, for example, is a popular hub for dining and nightlife.
With its beautiful beaches, serene national parks, and vibrant cultural offerings, it is no wonder that Perth is a top choice for nurses and midwives seeking to build and grow their careers.
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Nurses in Western Australia are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board
Nursing is a vital profession in any society, and Australia is no exception. With over 450,000 registered nurses and midwives, the nursing and midwifery workforce in Australia constitutes the country's largest clinical workforce. In Western Australia, the nursing profession is regulated by the Western Australian Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
The NMBA, in collaboration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), is responsible for overseeing the registration and accreditation of nurses and midwives in the state. To work as a nurse or midwife in Western Australia, individuals must complete an approved course and register with the NMBA, ensuring they meet the professional standards and code of conduct for their profession.
The NMBA maintains a publicly accessible national register, providing information on the registration status and any conditions or restrictions on the professional practice of nurses and midwives. This transparency helps protect the public by ensuring that only qualified and registered health practitioners provide care.
In addition to regulating the profession, the NMBA also provides guidance to registered nurses and midwives in Western Australia. This includes information on expanding their scope of practice into maternal, child, and family health roles, as well as guidance on prescribing medicinal cannabis and meeting their professional obligations in this area.
The NMBA also works to support and increase the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce by listening to the experiences of Indigenous practitioners and incorporating their perspectives into the regulation and guidance they provide. Overall, the NMBA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective practice of nursing and midwifery in Western Australia, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the state's population.
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There are over 50 professional associations for nurses in Australia
Nurses and midwives make up the largest sector in Australia's health workforce, with around 450,000 registered practitioners. This large clinical workforce is supported by over 50 professional associations, catering to different specialities and the profession as a whole.
The Nurses' Professional Association of Australia (NPAA) is one such example. It is an industrial association run by nurses, with the principal purpose of protecting and promoting the interests of its members in matters concerning their employment or professional engagement. NPAA has over 14,000 members and offers savings on membership fees and subscriptions when compared to ALP-registered trade unions.
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is another prominent association, with a membership of over 150,000 people across all Australian states and territories. ACN is committed to upholding high standards of integrity, clinical expertise, ethical conduct, and professionalism. It advocates for better policy and education and actively strives to develop respect and appreciation for nurses.
The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia. It provides essential skills and knowledge for nurses working in primary care settings and offers exclusive benefits such as mental health knowledge resources and professional indemnity insurance.
These are just a few examples of the over 50 professional associations that support the nursing profession in Australia, each contributing to the growth and development of this vital workforce.
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Nurses in Western Australia are compensated based on qualifications, experience and seniority
Nursing is the largest sector in the Australian health workforce, with around 450,000 registered nurses and midwives in the country. In Western Australia, the government department responsible for the public health system manages employment conditions and salary negotiations for nurses and midwives. This department plays a crucial role in ensuring that nurses are compensated fairly and that their working conditions meet legal and ethical standards.
Nurses in Western Australia receive salary adjustments based on various factors, including qualifications, experience, and seniority. For instance, a salary increase of $60 per week or 3.0% per annum, whichever is greater, was approved for nurses and midwives in Western Australia, effective from 12 October 2023. This increase was in line with the Public Sector Wages Policy, ensuring competitive and fair compensation.
The salary adjustments apply to different nursing classifications, including Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, and Enrolled Nurses in mental health or mothercraft. The updated salary rates reflect the different levels of nursing positions, from entry-level to senior roles. For example, a Registered Nurse at Level 1.1 saw their annual salary increase from $72,827 to $75,957, while a Senior Registered Nurse at Level 10 received a raise from $172,237 to $177,404.
In addition to base salaries, nurses in Western Australia may be eligible for various allowances and benefits. These include specific duty allowances, uniform-related allowances, and government benefits such as the Zone or Special Area Tax Offset. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) regulates nursing registrations, ensuring that all nurses meet the required professional standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia has around 96,000 to 98,000 primary health care nurses.
There are around 450,000 registered nurses and midwives in Australia.
Western Australia's primary health care (PHC) nurses play a critical role in disease prevention and control. They provide proactive care and health promotion to keep the population healthy.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) regulates the nursing and midwifery professions through the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
Nurses and midwives form the majority (54%) of Australia's healthcare professionals.
