The Territory Labor Government is investing in growing the critical care nursing workforce in Central Australia.
Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) has commenced training its second cohort of Registered Nurses (RNs) working across the Emergency Department (ED) and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as part of its critical care workforce.
Nine registered nurses from across the ED and ICU are undertaking the Critical Care Post-Graduate Program for 2024.
NT Health expanded the program last year to include ED nurses to help build the capacity and capability of the qualified RN critical care workforce in Central Australia.
These new recruits add to the 10 RNs who completed their post-graduate studies and became qualified critical care specialists at ASH in 2023.
The program has a range of benefits, such as improved staff retention and enhanced skills, knowledge, confidence and credentials for RNs which, in turn, leads to better patient care.
Expanding professional development for RNs is part of the Territory Labor Government's effort to support the critical care workforce.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Selena Uibo:
"Our Territory Labor Government's continues to build and develop our health professional workforce. We are committed to upskilling our health workforce.
"Registered nurses help to improve patient health outcomes and access to services for high-needs populations, as well as reduce preventable hospitalisations.
"These registered nurses provide valuable support to ED and ICU work and soon help relieve some of the pressures Alice Springs Hospital and emergency departments have been experiencing."
