16 March 2000

Ministerial Nursing Taskforce Recommendations - Implementation Begins

The process of implementing the recommendations of the Ministerial Taskforce on Nursing Recruitment and Retention has commenced. An implementation group which includes representation from the QNU has been established.

Project Officer positions have been recently advertised to drive a number of the priority initiatives. This will assist the restructuring of the Nursing Advisory Unit which is a recommendation of the Taskforce.

Zones have been asked to submit proposals for rostering trials to implement Recommendation 52 which is to promote best practice models of rostering to other facilities. The implementation group will assess these proposals in order to have the trials commence as a matter of urgency.

A Project Officer will be employed to implement a review of recruitment processes and develop a career advisory service for nursing. This process should be under way at the time of printing.

Over $400 000 has been allocated for undergraduate scholarships to students who will work in rural and remote locations. Applications processes to select students from rural and remote areas have commenced. It is hoped this initiative will promote nursing in rural and remote areas as a career for nurses.

Subcommittees have been established to implement other initiatives such as the development of a Business Planning Model for nursing and the facilitation of staff development on management for Level 2 and 3 nurses. A key stakeholder group is established to match post graduate and enrolment courses to industry needs. Research is also to be conducted into reasons for high turnover in a number of districts.

In all $1 million has been allocated for use in this financial year. Funding bids for other recommendations are being developed. The major issues of review of Level 3 remuneration and review of the roles, responsibilities and remuneration of Level 3, 4 and 5 Registered Nurses will require funding commitments and the QNU is seeking to ensure these items are priorities for the next financial year. Updates on the implementation of the Taskforce Recommendations will be published in each edition of The Queensland Nurse.