12 March 2001

Ministerial Recruitment and Retention Taskforce Implementation Update

The Ministerial Taskforce on Recruitment and Retention has been progressively implementing the 59 recommendations of the taskforce report. Major initiatives currently being progressed are:

Research on Turnover

A team led by Professor Desley Hegney of the University of Southern Queensland is conducting research on nurses who left the employment of Queensland Health in a period of the year 2000 to determine factors that led to their leaving. It is expected that issues which are significant to nurses staying in certain centres and issues which influence leaving will be identified. It is hoped the research will assist strategies to retain nurses.

The data has now been collected and the research team is now undertaking data analysis and producing the final report which should be provided to Queensland Health mid year.

Level 3, 4 and 5 Review

A project team has undertaken a review of the roles and responsibilities of Level 3, 4 and 5 Registered Nurses employed by Queensland Health.

Research conducted via surveys, focus groups and written submissions has been completed and the Steering Committee is currently finalising the outcomes. At present there is strong agreement with the Union's position on a number of points. The collaborative approach taken on this issue is appreciated by the QNU.

It is expected that refinement of the report will occur over the next month and that the findings will be tested further to ensure any modifications to the structure are supported in the practice setting.

Enrolled Nurse Review

A review has also been undertaken into the Enrolled Nurse role and research has identified a role for Advanced Enrolled Nurse Practice.

Criteria for advancement are being finalised and negotiations are occurring on a remuneration package to support the advanced practice role.

Career Advisory Service

Work has been undertaken to establish a strategic plan for a Career Advisory Service. This service will involve supporting nursing as a career from schools through University and for career progression for employed nurses. Further work needs to be done to refine the plan for implementation.

Overall, the recommendations are gradually being implemented. The outcome of the state election, will have a significant impact on the further progression of the Taskforce recommendations.