The WA Nursing and Midwifery Refresher Program has been developed for enrolled nurses, registered nurses and midwives with previous clinical experience, who wish to return to the acute care setting in a public health facility.
The program aims to assist nurses and midwives who have had a break from clinical practice, to update and refresh their knowledge, skills and competency in an acute care environment. The program also supports nurses and midwives who may wish to transition from a non/sub-acute area into the acute care setting.
The program is only available to nurses and midwives:
- who currently reside in Western Australia,
- who hold general registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (with no conditions or restrictions),
- and meet the Recency of Practice Registration Standard of 450 hours practice in the last five years.
It must be noted that meeting the NMBA’s minimum requirements for recency of practice doesn’t automatically satisfy professional and ethical responsibilities – you must also ensure that you recognise and work within the limits of your competence, and maintain adequate knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care.
The WA Nursing and Midwifery Refresher Program builds on preceding knowledge and skills by offering:
- Access to an online theoretical refresher course delivered by the Australian College of Nursing (for enrolled and registered nurses) and the Australian College of Midwives (for midwives). Scholarships for eligible nurses and midwives are available via the WA Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office and fully cover course fees.
- A fully paid clinical placement within a WA public health service, for a minimum of 3 days per week, for four weeks duration. In consultation with the participant, health services can extend the clinical placement period if the individual requires further support. Wherever practicable, participants will be able to choose their preferred location/site to complete the clinical placement requirements.
Participants must finish both the theoretical and practical components to complete the program.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on registering as a nurse and/or midwife in Australia, including the relevant registration standards, please visit:
For further information on the theoretical refresher course requirements and content, please visit:
Scholarship Opportunities
The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office has partnered with the Australian College of Nursing, and the Australian College of Midwives to assist nurses and midwives with undertaking the theoretical online component for a nursing or midwifery refresher course. Further information on scholarships is available on the Scholarships page.