Nurses
Palliative Care Career Pathways for Nurses
If you are a nurse and interested in a career in palliative care, the typical advanced practice nursing roles are:
Registered Nurse Division 1 and 2
Division 1 and Division 2 nurses seeking to work in palliative care or who care for palliative care patients at some time in the course of their usual work:
- We would recommend you undertake ‘Palliative Care: The Essentials’. This two-day program has been designed for all health professionals who currently work in, or are seeking to work in, palliative care. The program is an ideal orientation to palliative care. Further information can be obtained from our brochure, which can be downloaded here:
2012 Specialist Certificate Courses
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Palliative Care
A palliative care CNS is either:
- a Registered Nurse Division 1 who has completed post basic qualifications and 12 months’ clinical experience working in palliative care
or
- a Registered Nurse Division 1 who has completed a minimum of four years post initial registration, which includes 3 years in palliative care (Clause 39.8 Nurses (Victorian Public Health Sector) Multiple Business Agreement 2007-2011).
Postgraduate courses for you to consider include:
The Specialist Certificate in Palliative Care, which is accredited with the University of Melbourne and aims to become the industry standard for health professionals (all disciplines) working in services that provide palliative care.
Please click here for further information.
Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing Practice (Cancer and Palliative Care) University of Melbourne.
Please click here for further information.
Master of Nursing University of Melbourne
Please click here for further information.
Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) in Palliative Care
A palliative care CNC is a Registered Nurse Division 1, ideally with post basic qualifications in palliative care and significant clinical experience in palliative care. Individual CNC position descriptions provide specific information regarding anticipated desired skills.
Postgraduate courses for you to consider include:
See CNS suggestions in previous section.
The Specialist Certificate in Palliative Care, which is accredited with the University of Melbourne and aims to become the industry standard for health professionals (all disciplines) working in services that provide palliative care.
Please click here for further information.
Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing Practice (Cancer and Palliative Care) University of Melbourne
Please click here for further information.
Master of Nursing University of Melbourne
Please click here for further information.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Palliative Care
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse educated and authorised (endorsed) to practice autonomously and collaboratively in an advanced and extended clinical role (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2009). The practice of a NP is embedded in the philosophy and values of the nursing profession (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2004).
The NP title is protected and only those nurses endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia may call themselves NPs. NPs working in the area of Palliative Care may refer to themselves (or have an employment title) of Palliative Care NP.
The practice of a Palliative Care NP (PCNP) may include but is not limited to the direct referral of patients to other health care professionals, prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic investigations (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2004). “The scope of practice of the nurse practitioner is determined by the context in which the nurse practitioner is authorised to practice.” (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2004)
A PCNPs practice is defined by the nationally agreed NP competency framework that identifies three standards: dynamic practice, professional efficacy and clinical leadership (Gardner G, Carryer J, Gardner A, Dunn S. 2006).
Dynamic practice is demonstrated by the NP’s high level knowledge and skills in extended practice across stable, unpredictable and complex situations. Professional efficacy demonstrates that practice is grounded in a nursing model and enhanced by autonomy and accountability. Clinical leadership influences and progresses clinical care, policy and collaboration through all levels of health care (National Competency Standards, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2004).
The Centre for Palliative Care is the collaborative leader of the Victorian Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Collaborative (VPCNPC), with its primary aim being to assist with the development, support and mentorship of PCNPs in Victoria.
For more information on nursing careers in palliative care or the collaborative, please see the VPCNPC section in this website or contact:
Karen Quinn
Education Coordinator
Centre for Palliative Care
Email: karen.quinn@svhm.org.au
Phone: 03 9854 1665
