Nurses and Midwifery Union welcomes surge in nurse hiring, but wants more experienced candidates

The Nurses and Midwifery Union has welcomed the NT government’s pledge to hire more graduate nurses in 2022, but asked for recruitment of more specialised nurses as well.

UPDATED: THE Nurses and Midwifery Union has welcomed the NT government’s pledge to hire more graduate nurses in 2022.

But Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation NT branch secretary Cath Hatcher called for recruitment to also focus on attracting more experienced and specialist nurses.

It came as the federal Coalition pushed back on NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles, saying express visas have been available for nurses and doctors since last year.

The NT News on Friday revealed the government would recruit at least 34 more graduate nurses in January 2022 compared to this year’s intake.

Nurse attrition rates have been high since the pandemic began. Picture: File.

Ms Hatcher said the boost was “good” and a first step toward solving chronic staffing shortages at both the Royal Darwin and Palmerston hospitals.

“But I would also want some more other experienced – not novice – practitioners,” she said.

“Those that have got other qualifications, like theatre experience or theatre qualifications, ICU and emergency department nurses.”

Ms Hatcher also said emphasis should be placed on training up nurses “born and bred in the Territory”.

“They’re more likely the ones to stay into the Territory and not move after their year of a new grad program.”

Health Minister Natasha Fyles has revealed 34 more nurses will be hired as part of NT Health’s graduate program. Picture Julianne Osborne

The NT Health Minister on Friday said getting more nurses from overseas was an option, and that she had written to her federal counterpart to expedite the visa approval process.

CLP Senator Sam McMahon has however lashed Ms Fyles, saying it showed she was “not across her brief”.

“The federal government has already put in place mechanisms for the acceleration of critical staff including doctors and registered nurses in September last year,” Senator McMahon said.

She revealed Ms Fyles had written to federal Health Minister Greg Hunt in July this year.

Ms Fyles defended the letter, saying she needed to express the greater need for more visa approvals.

“I make no apologies for writing to the Commonwealth for assistance on this matter earlier this year.

“I have been working constructively with the Commonwealth Government to achieve the best possible outcomes for our health system – and will continue to do so.”

EARLIER: THE NT government has written to its federal counterparts urging them to speed up visa applications for nurses, doctors and other health workers looking to move here from overseas.

The step comes amid concerns about nursing shortages both in the Territory and around the nation.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles on Thursday confirmed she had been lobbying Canberra to streamline the process.

“I have written to the Commonwealth Government seeking their support to enable the fast-tracking of visa approvals for overseas doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professional to help fill staffing gaps,” Ms Fyles said.

It comes amid reports that the Top End’s hospital system is short-staffed to the tune of up to 100 nurses.

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation NT branch secretary Cath Hatcher said earlier this week the NT’s hospital system would need between 50 and 100 nurses in Darwin alone, and then further staff in regional and remote locations.

“(NT Health) does really need a good shake-up and it needs to be nurturing and caring,” Ms Hatcher said.

Royal Darwin Hospital has been under extreme pressure in recent weeks. Picture: Che Chorley

On Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged state and territory leaders to get their healthcare systems reach for an influx of Covid-19 patients.

Mr Morrison however acknowledged many Covid-free jurisdictions were already under pressure.

“We’re seeing stresses on hospital systems in other states, in the territories, which have nothing to do with Covid,” he said.