Archived Media Releases: 28 October 2008
Nurse practitioner scholarships good step
The Australian Nursing Federation welcomed the federal government’s announcement of scholarships for nurse practitioner candidates today. Ged Kearney, ANF Federal Secretary said the scholarships were a good first step in encouraging more nurses to take up the advanced role.
“These scholarships will go some way to help increase the number of nurse practitioners who are available to ensure patients can access quality health care. However we must address the barriers to practice if we are to fully use the extensive skills of these highly educated and qualified nurses,” Ms Kearney said.
The ANF said the scholarships confirm that the federal government recognise the value nurse practitioners bring to health. However nurse practitioners are still not working to full capacity because of barriers created by current funding mechanisms, for example a lack of access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“While nurse practitioners are authorised to refer to other health professionals and prescribe some medications, there is currently no mechanism that allows their patients to claim any subsidy from the PBS, as this is limited to medical practitioners.”
“Expansion of the role of these expert clinicians requires patient access to reimbursement from the PBS,” Ms Kearney said.
The federal government has placed an emphasis on improving patient access to health care and reducing waiting lists. Considerable evidence demonstrates that nurse practitioners not only improve access to a wide range of health services but provide quality, safe and effective care.
“This government has demonstrated an appetite for tackling health reform; the time is now right to engage nurse practitioners in providing the community with greater access to and equity within the public health system.”
Media Contacts
Ged Kearney, Federal Secretary 0417 053 322
Lee Thomas, Assistant Federal Secretary, 0419 576 590
Libby Muir, Communications Officer, 0413 834 979
The ANF, representing nearly 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.