N³ET Final Report

An excerpt from the N³ET Final Report Executive Summary:

From the beginning, the Taskforce was clear that it must be inclusive and collaborative. The size and complexity of the task and the timeframes made this imperative. Nurses and midwives were willing to contribute, wanted to be involved, and were keen to work with the Taskforce to explore new options and ways forward. Therefore, a key outcome of the Taskforce is the legacy of networks that has underpinned the Taskforce’s work and achievements — networks that will provide a firm foundation for further work in the future.

Achieving change at a national level is a complex and protracted process, especially when consensus must be reached about directions and actions. Much of the Taskforce’s work has focussed on paving the way for change, identifying differences across jurisdictions, challenging conventional thinking and assumptions, researching ways of overcoming barriers and resistance and proposing new ways of doing things — and taking the first steps.

The work and outcomes of the Taskforce emphasise the need for national consistency as a priority. It is important at this juncture to continue the momentum that has commenced.
In the context of implementing the Council of Australian Government (COAG) agenda for national regulation of health professionals, there is also a need to maintain a focus on the critical nursing and midwifery issues and strategies identified by the Taskforce. Closer collaboration between governments, education, nursing and midwifery regulatory authorities and professional groups should facilitate a smooth transition to national processes.

For more information on the Taskforce's recommendations and a summary of the projects, please download a copy of the N³ET Final Report from our Publications page.

Recommendations

• Rec 1 - Building Forward - The Agenda for Change
• Rec 2 - A balanced nursing and midwifery workforce
• Rec 3 - Better nursing and midwifery information and data

Summary of the Projects

I. Leading a national approach
(Recommendations 4, 5, 6 and 21 from the National Review of Nursing Education)

II. Building a profile of care workers not covered by legislation
(Recommendations 7 and 35 from the National Review of Nursing Education)

III. Building capacity in education – funding, models and pathways
(Recommendations 12, 24, 25, 27 and 34 from the National Review of Nursing Education)

IV. Promoting evidence-based practice and workforce planning
(Recommendations 8 from the National Review of Nursing Education, Recommendation 3 from the Critical Care Report and Recommendation 4 from the Midwifery Report)

VI. Driving a national classification of nursing and midwifery specialities
(Recommendation 26 from the National Review of Nursing Education and Recommendation 2 (b) from Critical Care Report)