Growing and developing your nursing skills may have been put on the back burner over the last few years due to cancelled training opportunities, room restrictions and limited time available to step away from the clinical environment. However, 2022 presents a range of new and exciting developments to become a more qualified and advanced nurse in our evolving, diverse workforce. This article aims to remind us why upskilling is crucial and where to locate these events so we don’t miss out. 

The Importance of Upskilling

Though AHPRA requires all registered nurses (RN), registered midwives (RM) and enrolled nurses (EN) to maintain a set number of CPD hours in order to keep their registration, this education and learning offers much more than just ticking a box. 

Here are four reasons why ongoing learning is essential for not only your own development but for the longevity of the healthcare system.
 

• Keeping up with the evolving healthcare industry

The healthcare industry is continually changing. With the development of advancing technology, specialised medical equipment and research, it’s important nurses stay informed, be curious and alter their practice to reflect these changes.
 
Nurses and midwives who are not proactive in their training and delay embracing these new innovations will continue practicing outdated methods which may compromise patient care, safety and efficiency. 
 

• Nurse demand/shortage

There are real opportunities right now for nurses to seize the moment and further their careers. COVID has changed the healthcare landscape. Some professionals within the sector are embracing change and moving into new areas whilst others are taking a break and enjoying their well deserved accumulated leave. This means there are plenty of positions to fill the holes left by these staff in areas of immediate need such as vaccination administration, screening, risk assessment and community care just to name a few. By being adaptable and upskilling in a specific area of interest and need, you can help close these gaps and assist the community.

NNA is eager to see nurses progress and widen their skill set as increased shifts are available to them in a range of different organisations, potentially closer to home. 
 

• We have an aging nursing workforce 

Did you know, according to Insight+, the average nurse currently practicing in Australia is 49 years of age, with a median age of 52 years? It’s no secret that the shortage of healthcare professionals, an ageing population, seeing more chronic health issues, as well as debate around average nurse salary expectations in Australia has created complex problems in the nursing profession. 

The trend suggests we are soon likely to see a large percentage of these experienced nurses retire and leave the workforce. Therefore, the demand for nurses with advanced qualifications will be higher than ever.

• Patient diversity

Further education will prepare registered and enrolled nurses for the modern-day challenges they will face in a system that is more diverse than ever. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to handling patients who come from different cultural, economic, religious, and social backgrounds. Understanding how to treat patients kindly and fairly requires more than anatomical knowledge and now demands a tailored approach to each individual.

Where Can I Find Opportunities to Grow and Progress in 2022?

• Australian Healthcare Academy Courses
• ECT4Health Education
• NSW Nursing and Midwives Association
• Health Education and Training (NSW Government)
  
   
  

If you’re looking to join a nursing agency that really cares about the future, you can register your interest with us or go straight to our jobs board and apply. 

For anyone who is currently working with us and is looking to take the next step in your career, get in touch with us today!