Expanding the role of nurse practitioners across our health system

The Tasmanian Government is a strong supporter of nurse practitioners and is delivering on our commitment to expand the vital role they play in supporting the health and wellbeing of the Tasmanian community.

In line with our election commitment to support Registered Nurses to become Nurse Practitioners, a scholarship scheme has now been launched to support Registered Nurses obtain their Master of Nurse Practitioner qualifications.

The scholarships will be available for Registered Nurses working in the Tasmanian public health system, initially targeting high-priority service areas and using a phased approach to support tuition costs.

Consultation has also been launched on the draft Nurse Practitioner Strategy 2025-2030, designed to advance the role of nurse practitioners across our health system.

The Strategy features four key themes:

• Developing person-centred models of care and addressing barriers to practice;
• Growing the nurse practitioner workforce and recruiting nurse practitioners with skill sets to address Tasmanians’ healthcare needs;
• Raising awareness of nurse practitioners’ scope of practice; and
• Workforce and succession planning for sustainability of nurse practitioner roles.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said we are delivering increased access to healthcare for Tasmanians by backing initiatives that are vital for the future of the Nurse Practitioner workforce.

“We highly value the work of nurse practitioners and recognise that there is a significant opportunity to expand their role throughout our health system,’’ Minister Archer said.

“Nurse practitioners are highly experienced registered nurses with advanced skills who are authorised to deliver advanced, autonomous, and clinically focused care across a range of health settings, including community and rural and remote areas.

“Importantly, this Strategy is about highlighting opportunities for the nurse practitioner role, supporting them to work to their scope of practice and supporting better integration within health care teams.

“The Nurse Practitioner Strategy aims to support a sustainable, effective and integrated nurse practitioner workforce model that meets the needs of the Tasmanian community, now and into the future.

“The consultation will include a series of online sessions, an opportunity to provide written feedback, and nurse practitioners across the State are being actively invited to provide feedback.

“By launching this scholarship program to assist Registered Nurses who may wish to become Nurse Practitioners, we are focusing on expanding the role of Nurse Practitioners and boosting this important workforce across our health system.”

More information about consultation on the Nurse Practitioner Strategy is available here.