Nurses are an unstoppable force, an integral element of any functioning and caring society. There are around 450,000 registered nurses in Australia, making them our largest clinical workforce.  Nurses are the heroes of our healthcare system, helping people everywhere without fear or favour. Their resilience and empathy are essential to our wellbeing, and in recent times COVID-19 has placed their work under the spotlight.   Whereas the profession may have been taken for granted in other eras, today there’s no denying nursing’s importance. Recent surveys classed nurses as…

If you want to accelerate your healthcare career, higher education is a must. It’s the perfect way to maximise your potential, boost your earnings and make a real difference to people’s lives.    But what if your hands are full with the job you currently have? Where does study fit in?  For busy people, going back to university might feel like working a second job. For healthcare workers, the workload is amplified. We’ve lived through a global pandemic, and the effect on nurses, doctors and others in the industry is profound. The good news is, online learning has…

Postgraduate study is important to a healthcare career. There are a range of courses that can lead to increased salaries, leadership opportunities and the chance to improve patient and population health outcomes. These include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master’s degrees. Also, most postgrad degrees in health offer a variety of specialisations or majors to choose from, enabling you to focus on your passion.  But if you’re already working, how do you find the time? 1. Consider your study options Before you enrol, make a list. How do providers and healthcare…

The need for skilled healthcare workers is putting the industry under pressure, driving in demand jobs for the profession. This has opened doors to those wishing to enter the sector as the need for qualified workers amplifies. Many health professions are experiencing shortages across various industries, including nursing, mental health, public health and more. We investigate the five most in-demand healthcare jobs in 2023 and identify the best ways to get there. How to work towards a fulfilling healthcare career in 2023 Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, healthcare workers have…

Media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic indirectly highlighted public health jobs and the need for a strong workforce. However, there are still many misconceptions about public health and potential job opportunities in this sought-after field. According to the National Skills Commission, employer demand in health industries has increased over 50% since the pandemic. And the vacancies are varied. There are many different public health jobs in-demand to suit a wide range of skill sets and interests, whether you prefer analysing data, co-ordinating teams, or working face to face with community…

Clear communication is important for all professions but especially nursing. Every day, nurses need to convey complex information to patients, families, colleagues and other health professionals in a way that’s understandable, empathetic and person-centred. Effective communication in nursing takes many forms. To provide quality care, nurses must master various nursing communication strategies, including verbal, non-verbal and written communication. By developing these crucial skills, nurses can improve their day-to-day experiences while contributing to a more positive future of…

When you think of a psychologist, what comes to mind? Many people will be most familiar with a clinical psychologist, sitting with a patient one-on-one to discuss matters surrounding their general mental health. While this is one path for psychology graduates to pursue, it certainly isn’t the only one. In fact, there are nine different types of psychologists, and with the right postgraduate degree, your psychology career options are abundant. The 9 different types of psychologists Depending on your interest, you can become a psychologist with general registration or a particular…

As roles in the industry vary, the social work skills required may differ for each specialisation. All social workers will require an essential set of skills that include emotional intelligence, communication and self-regulation. However, a social worker acting within an academic facility will also need to have highly developed research and writing skills. The more social work skills you acquire, the more opportunities you’ll have in this rewarding industry. Why would you make a great social carer? To answer this question, and to fully understand the core skills needed for social work, it’s…

Ongoing education is a great way to ensure your skills as a nurse remain relevant and advance your career. With benefits like new career opportunities, increased earning potential and improved knowledge, there are many reasons why experienced nurses pursue further education. We explore today’s options for experienced nurses as well as those entering the profession, and where a new qualification can take you. Education options To enter the nursing profession, there are several entry-level education options. Once you become a working nurse, there are then plenty of postgraduate…

Nursing can have a strong reputation for being a rewarding vocation. But how much does a nurse earn in Australia? The typical nursing salary depends on the position and location of the role, along with the nurse’s education and experience. This article explores the value that postgraduate study can add to a nurse’s earning potential as well as why healthcare professionals prefer courses with flexible study options to advance their career. The average nursing salary in Australia How much do nurses get paid in Australia? Like any profession, a nurse’s level of education, specific…

With over 40 per cent of Australians experiencing a mental disorder at some point in their lives, having trained mental health professionals to provide care and support is critical. According to the National Skills Commission skills priority list, almost a third of health professional occupations were found to be in shortage. Australia needs more qualified professionals to deliver these services, with these health professional occupations predicted to experience strong future growth. Thankfully, there are many mental health courses and study pathways for those interested in advancing their…