A new initiative is being launched to encourage Registered Nurses who are interested in renal nursing to obtain a postgraduate qualification and to improve the recruitment and retention of nurses in the Northern Territory.
The program is being offered in partnership between the Department of Health and Families and Charles Darwin University.
Renal nurses care for health clients suffering from chronic and acute kidney disease. Renal disease and failure is major cause of mortality and morbidity in the NT, especially for Aboriginal people.
Completion of this course will increase the number of Registered Nurses with post graduate qualifications in renal nursing in the Northern Territory.
While undertaking the program, students will be employed within the Northern Territory Renal Service across all areas of the specialty.
DHF Principal Nursing Advisor, Mr Greg Rickard said the new course involves an intense six-week education program delivered in the renal units, plus additional theoretical components completed through on line learning from Charles Darwin University.
"We want to attract those Registered Nurses who have an interest in Renal Nursing to get a post graduate qualification and then to retain educated renal nurses in the Territory.
"This new course will give 24 registered nurses the opportunity to specialise in renal nursing.
"Successful applicants to the program will be given the opportunity to undertake an interstate transplant placement and a remote placement within the Territory."
Applications for the 2009 intake will close on October 10.
Visit www.nursing.nt.gov.au for more information.
The Department of Health and Families is undertaking an advertising campaign to attract nurses who wish to specialise in renal nursing.
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson, DHF Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Release date: 26 September 2008
