TAFE NSW Griffith Delivers Life-Saving Training To Boost Nursing Numbers

Australia is currently in the midst of a nursing shortage, with Health Workforce Australia estimating the nation will need an additional 100,000 nurses by 2025 to meet demand.

TAFE NSW is playing a pivotal role in training the next generation of healthcare workers and providing life-saving training in Griffith to address the critical shortage of nurses.

Karen Booth, president of the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, said COVID-19 had highlighted the crucial need for nurses in our communities and that TAFE NSW was key to meeting future workforce demand.

“Right now, we need nurses and healthcare workers who can hit the ground running when they graduate,” Ms Booth said.

“TAFE NSW has a track record of providing an excellent training ground for our new workers because of its practical, hands-on training.”

Ms Booth said finding the right people for the right jobs was an important factor in building a healthy and productive workforce.

“Nursing is a profession driven by passion and a sense of purpose, so it’s important we guide and support new nurses and healthcare workers into the roles they resonate with,” Ms Booth said.

“I have found that because TAFE NSW has industry-qualified teachers, they develop workers that are well-trained, and also provide career guidance so that students find their niche and enjoy successful, fulfilling careers.”

TAFE NSW Griffith graduate Kristie Dunlop pivoted from a career in corrections to nursing and after earning her Diploma in 2021, almost immediately secured work as an enrolled nurse at West Wyalong Hospital.

“There were so many positives to come out of the course: I felt well prepared for my work placement and the teachers were really flexible and approachable,” Ms Dunlop said.

Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Head of Skills Team, Anne Barrow said TAFE NSW’s Diploma of Nursing offered a pathway into nursing in just 18 months, with eligible students able to study fee-free under JobTrainer.

“Since the NSW Government invested in Job Trainer 12 months ago, more than 136,000 people have undertaken free training and that number is growing by the day,” Ms Barrow said.

“TAFE NSW has formalised agreements with the public and private health sector for students to complete work placements and seek employment opportunities, plus we have state-of-the-art learning equipment to provide quality training.

“There has never been a better time to consider a career in nursing.”

Explore hundreds of courses in nursing and healthcare at TAFE NSW.

Visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for further details.

• Topics:

• TAFE NSW
• Health & Wellbeing
• Education