Professor Shelly Nowlan is Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer for Queensland and the deputy National Rural Health Commissioner for Australia. She has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and nursing.

Episode summary:

01.10  What inspired Shelly to go into rural nursing?

03.00  What does she do in her deputy National Rural Health Commissioner role?

05.30  What is the perception and position of nurses and midwives in Australia?

07.15  What is the scope of practice for nurses in Australia?

09.30  How are education opportunities structured?

11.35  What are the challenges that nurses and midwives face in Australia?

14.40  Are there unique challenges for nurses and midwives globally?

17.20  What is a good way for other networks/organizations to support rural nursing?

19.15  How could we support countries in developing rural nursing training pathways?

21.50  How has Australia developed a supportive environment?

23.50  What are some important ways in which nurses and midwives contribute to health and wellbeing or rural communities?

23.50  How can policy makers support rural nursing and midwifery?

27.45  What has Shelly enjoyed about rural nursing?

29.10  Top three tips for going into rural health careers

Key messages:

The importance of knowing what it is like to work and live in rural communities when taking on leadership roles.

National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework - world first, outlining domains that nursing generalists can focus on when developing their skills.  Identifies four domains: culturally safe practice; critical analysis; relationships, partnerships and collaborations; and capability of practice.

Rural nurses and midwives are really valued by their communities and part of the foundation of healthcare in rural areas.

Providing culturally safe care in partnership with families, communities and interdisciplinary teams.

Advanced practice role and generalist practice: primary and secondary assessment, treatment plans, first responders, primary care, acute care,  immunisations, prevention activities, and developing technical skills.

Global world shortages of nurses.  Australia is facing national concerns around the health workforce.

Differences in licensing and credentialing standards across the world.

Real challenges to ensuring there is support from peer networks, standardized approach to mentorship and educational opportunities to develop their careers.

Important to advocate for nursing in rural environments and an investment in education and a nursing generalist program.

Ensuring that there is availability of lifelong learning opportunities.

Investment needed in early career pathways, with students having experiences and placements in rural and remote areas.

Exposure as early as you can, put your hand up for rural experiences.

Rural nursing can be generalist but also specialist, you can define a role that works for you.

Always be a voice and advocate for the community.

Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/onrhc

National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework: https://www.health.gov.au/news/release-of-the-national-rural-and-remote-nursing-generalist-framework-2023-2027?language=en

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