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Nursing

The future of nursing in Australia

How trends, technology and skills may shape the future of nursing in Australia.



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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 Australia’s most trusted profession throughout the pandemic.

With that attention comes an array of new opportunities, empowering responsibilities and increased potential. Plus, plenty of jobs to be filled.

If you’re up for the challenge, then specialisation is critical, plus a willingness to explore other disciplines. A third essential ingredient is the ability to embrace technological progress.

So, let’s explore the pathways available to the nurse of the future.

According to current trends, our older generation, aged 65 and above, will double by 2057. Meanwhile, by 2025, Australia will face a shortage of 100,000 nurses, increasing to over 123,000 by 2030. That means increased demand for nurses and caregivers with a speciality in chronic disease or geriatrics.

Even before COVID-19, nurses were in high demand. Australia’s ageing population has placed pressure on the profession to keep up. Additionally, chronic illness, including diabetes, adds complexity to care across the lifespan.

Advanced nursing specialists and family nurse practitioners are also needed. They’re a crucial element in Australia’s healthcare system, especially in rural areas, where there’s a doctor shortage. An increase in family nurse practitioners licensed to practice with full autonomy helps meet the demand for primary care physicians.

Then there is the younger generations.

Studies show millennials prefer a more holistic and preventive approach to medicine, and holistic care is becoming more common in nursing. Holistic care treats the whole person—body, mind, spirit—with a focus on long-term health.

For the nurse of the future, that could mean combining patient medication with recommendations for counselling and physical therapy.

Technology meets nursing

Whatever the generation under care, nurses will need to be technologically savvy when treating them. In healthcare, technology saves lives, with each new, better system improving patient care. In today’s digital era, the potential is unlimited.

Telehealth has transformed modern nursing. Primary care clinics use patient portals to provide quick, convenient access to personal health information. Patient portals allow healthcare workers to upload lab results to secure sites and apps for patients to see alongside prescriptions and other records. Patients use the portal to ask questions, make follow-up appointments and request prescription refills.

Other exciting telehealth developments include scheduled reminders for patients to take medication, apps to manage diabetes through carb-counting and glucose tracking, and mobile monitors for patients with pacemakers or sleep apnoea.

The future of patient care

Data and analysis are set to play a crucial role in managing patient care. Trackers, sensors and artificial intelligence will gather medical information in real time, analyse it and administer treatment on the go. 

Augmented reality, virtual reality and holographic technologies will revolutionise medicine and healthcare practice. Doctors and nurses can expect realistic medical and surgical simulations. These will help them to fulfill their roles with unprecedented levels of accuracy, while easing the minds of patients about to undergo medical procedures. 

Behind the scenes, digital technology can alleviate the pressurised, frenetic nature of hospital environments by scheduling staffing shifts and patient care with greater ease and precision. That alleviates the burden on nurses, creating peace of mind for patients. 

The future nurse

In healthcare, technology not only affects the interface of medical practice, but it also changes the way we study. The obvious indicator is the rise of online programs, with numerous options available for would-be and current nurses. So many excellent universities offer quality nursing programs, making online learning an attractive way for working professionals with busy schedules to earn a degree.

Other ways the profession is changing include more diversity in gender. Society is gradually moving away from the idea that nursing is strictly a woman’s career, and, in Australia, the number of men in the field has grown to 12 per cent—an improvement that continues to climb. 

That number will only grow. Nursing is a stimulating career that requires hard work and dedication, whatever the gender. 

Specialisation is another growing trend in nursing. It’s partly a result of the ways technology is transforming the profession, as well as increasingly diverse demands on nursing as the makeup of society changes, such as the impact of ageing populations and the emergence of new and virulent viruses. 

There are many specialties available, including acute care, diabetes management, mental health, child health, perioperative, chronic disease, nurse education, burns, cardiology, occupational health, and more. 

With a myriad to choose from and a bright outlook, you can take the next step in your career, whether it’s a Master of Nursing or a number of other postgraduate nursing courses.  Your specialisation could also lead to a higher salary—especially if it’s in high demand. 

Build your skills to shape the future

With all that on offer, let’s now reflect on the critical qualities and skills you’ll need to achieve your potential in nursing.  

First up, continuous education is key. Aim to be an expert in your specialisation, while also sharing knowledge with, and absorbing information from, colleagues working in other facets of healthcare.  

There are many opportunities to advance your career in nursing, so always keep an eye on new directions.  

  • Be reflective and self-aware, and incorporate the ideal of continuous learning into your practice. 
  • Be curious and motivated. Gain the skills you need to manage a team, generate real change and improve patient outcomes.
  • Develop and lead projects, demonstrate effective people management, build a strategic awareness of national and international healthcare trends, and maintain an innovative and open mind.
  • Be an early adopter of technology. Create change by mastering technology’s central role in healthcare while keeping up with new trends and directions in nursing.
  • Be collaborative and pass on what you know while learning from others in your team. After all, effective nursing relies on open and transparent teamwork. 
  • Equip yourself with these skills and you’ll be well-placed to embrace the future potential of nursing.

Choosing a nursing course

Explore postgraduate nursing degrees to find the one that suits your aspirations and needs. 

The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Award-winning study model VU's award-winning postgraduate Block Model recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience. Earn your Graduate Certificate in Nursing faster than on-campus with our unique study model. No exams or textbooks to purchase The online units have been designed with a student-centred approach that spans from the overarching learning outcomes to engaging activities and self-determined assessments. Support seven days and in the evenings Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed. VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing is designed for registered nurses to transform the delivery of healthcare services in Australia. You can successfully earn your Graduate Certificate in Nursing by enrolling in 4 consecutive study periods of seven weeks each. This means you can enrol and complete your course in as little as eight months.   Each course is delivered 100% online, giving students the flexibility to fit study around their busy personal and professional lives. VU Online, takes a personalised 1:1 approach to online learning, which makes learning highly interactive and supported. With 25 years of experience delivering postgraduate courses in Australia, VU has equipped thousands of students from all walks of life with the knowledge and skills to successfully achieve their unique career goals including promotion, salary increase and leadership and innovation in nursing.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
  • Care Coordination in Practice
  • Leading Improvement and Innovation
  • Evidence and Research for Practice
CSP
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Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
#1 in Australia for academic reputation in Nursing (QS World University Rankings, 2022) Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing & Midwifery (QS Stars Rating, 2018-2021) Australia's #1 performing university under 50 (QS Top 50 Under 50, 2020) UTS Online's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is for nurses that want to build their expertise in interdisciplinary education, collaboration and leadership to influence workplace outcomes in healthcare settings. Students will develop the skills to lead and manage change while implementing effective approaches for building evidence-based teaching and learning capacity in their workplace. This course is delivered 100% online in a collaborative learning environment where students engage in interactive activities that address real-world challenges relevant to their practice. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, you will have the opportunity to progress to one of the following courses: Master of Advanced Nursing (available to registered nurses only) Master of Education (Learning and Leadership)
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Creating a Culture of Teaching and Learning in Healthcare
  • Designing Innovative Learning
  • Specialty Clinical Practice
  • Plus Electives
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for the healthcare system of tomorrow. Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet rising costs coupled with the increasing demand on our health system. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career. The Leadership and Management major gives you the confidence and knowledge to embrace management or leadership positions in healthcare, with two specialist units of study.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Leading and Managing in Health
  • Ethics and Health Management
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for the healthcare system of tomorrow. Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet rising costs coupled with the increasing demand on our health system. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career. The Advanced Practice major gives you the skills you need to deliver advanced patient care, with two specialised units in the Graduate Certificate.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Quality Use of Medicines in Practice
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Persuasive Communication
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before. James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting. The Advanced Practice major gives you the skills you need to deliver advanced patient care through eight specialised units.
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Quality Use of Medicines in Practice
  • Applied Health Assessment and Advanced Practice
  • Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before. James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting. The Education major, with its eight specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before. James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting. The Leadership and Management major gives you the confidence and knowledge to embrace management or leadership positions in healthcare, with eight specialist units of study.
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Leading and Managing in Health
  • Ethics and Health Management
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Business and Finance for the Health Manager
  • Conflict and Dispute Resolution in Healthcare
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Master of Advanced Nursing
Master of Advanced Nursing
#1 in Australia for academic reputation in Nursing (QS World University Rankings, 2022) Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing & Midwifery UTS Online’s Master of Advanced Nursing is designed for nurses who want to drive better outcomes for person-centred care in a range of health care settings. It offers four specialist pathways - Acute Care, Chronic and Complex Care, Quality and Safety, and Leadership and Management - and offers a range of electives to choose from if you elect to take a generalist pathway. This course is delivered part-time, 100% online and influenced by strong healthcare industry partners, making it one of the most contemporary and comprehensive courses of its kind.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Specialty Clinical Practice
  • Applied Pathophysiology in Practice
  • Evidence for Informing Practice
  • Improving Safety and Quality in Healthcare
  • Plus Electives
Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing)
Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing)
Award-winning study model VU's award-winning postgraduate Block Model recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience. Earn your Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing) faster than on-campus with our unique study model. No exams or textbooks to purchase The online units have been designed with a student-centred approach that spans from the overarching learning outcomes to engaging activities and self-determined assessments. Support seven days and in the evenings Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed. VU Online’s Master of Nursing, with a specialisation in Chronic Disease and Ageing, is designed for registered nurses to transform the delivery of healthcare services in Australia. Across eight core units of study – from Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health to Nursing Informatics – and four specialised units in Chronic Disease and Ageing, students will acquire skills that are in demand for senior nurse leaders. The Chronic Disease and Ageing specialisation provides registered nurses with a fundamental knowledge base to devise innovative care interventions and models of care for residents, patients, families and carers. Graduates with a Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing) will acquire person-centred strategies to plan, assess, implement, evaluate, support and care for older individuals living with complex comorbidities or chronic health conditions. Each course is delivered 100% online, giving students the flexibility to fit study around their busy personal and professional lives. VU Online takes a personalised 1:1 approach to online learning, which makes learning highly interactive and supported. With 25 years of experience delivering postgraduate courses in Australia, VU has equipped thousands of students from all walks of life with the knowledge and skills to successfully achieve their unique career goals including promotion, salary increase and leadership and innovation in nursing.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
  • Care Coordination in Practice
  • Leading Improvement and Innovation
  • Evidence and Research for Practice
  • Complex Care Coordination
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Professional Development in Practice
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Innovation in Aged Care Practice
  • Health and Wellbeing for the Older Person
  • Research Project: Chronic Disease and Ageing
  • Plus Electives
Master of Nursing (Leadership)
Master of Nursing (Leadership)
Award-winning study model VU's award-winning postgraduate Block Model recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience. Earn your Master of Nursing (Leadership) faster than on-campus with our unique study model. No exams or textbooks to purchase The online units have been designed with a student-centred approach that spans from the overarching learning outcomes to engaging activities and self-determined assessments. Support 7 days and in the evenings Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed. VU Online’s Master of Nursing, with a specialisation in Nursing Leadership, is designed for registered nurses to transform the delivery of healthcare services in Australia. Across eight core units of study – from Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health to Nursing Informatics – and four specialised units in Nursing Leadership, students will acquire skills that are in demand for senior nurse leaders. The Nursing Leadership specialisation provides registered nurses with the knowledge to develop expertise in the provision of nursing leadership and a comprehensive understanding of management, including financial management. Graduates with a Master of Nursing (Leadership) will be prepared to shape the development and provision of healthcare services, specifically clinical leadership and successfully managing teams. Each course is delivered 100% online, giving students the flexibility to fit study around their busy personal and professional lives. VU Online takes a personalised 1:1 approach to online learning, which makes learning highly interactive and supported. With 25 years of experience delivering postgraduate courses in Australia, VU has equipped thousands of students from all walks of life with the knowledge and skills to successfully achieve their unique career goals including promotion, salary increase and leadership and innovation in nursing.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
  • Care Coordination in Practice
  • Leading Improvement and Innovation
  • Evidence and Research for Practice
  • Complex Care Coordination
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Professional Development in Practice
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Nursing Management
  • Nursing Leadership and Management
  • Financial Management for Nurses
  • Research Project: Nursing Leadership
Master of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice
Master of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Advanced Practice major, with its four specialised units, gives you the skills you need to deliver advanced patient care. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset. Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts. Understand the latest in healthcare informatics. Designed by passionate nursing professionals. Fast-track your career with 100% online study. Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Quality Use of Medicines in Practice
  • Applied Health Assessment and Advanced Practice
  • Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Education major, with its four specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education
Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Leadership and Management major gives you the confidence and knowledge to embrace management or leadership positions in healthcare, with four specialist units of study. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Leading and Managing in Health
  • Ethics and Health Management
  • Business and Finance for the Health Manager
  • Conflict and Dispute Resolution in Healthcare

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