How the last 20 years has changed the Tasmanian nursing and midwifery workforce – and where the next 20 years could take us

Mrs Stephanie Haines1

1Department of Health, Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

Abstract:

Introduction:
Tasmania has more than the national number of nurses and midwives per capita, but fewer than some other jurisdictions, highlighting differences in the way services are provided; and how and where nurses and midwives work. The nursing and midwifery workforce has also changed significantly over the last 20 years, as population has grown and society has embraced technological change and improved practices.

Method:
Data describing the nursing and midwifery workforce has progressed from basic census information collected once each five years to annual data derived directly from respondents at re-registration through the National Health Workforce Data Set.  Patterns of registration, entry and exit, areas of work, age, average hours, and regional distribution are emerging. These patterns illustrate change already at work in Tasmania’s public and private sectors, as well as indicating areas where change may be needed to better align the workforce with the changing health needs of the people of Tasmania.

Conclusion:
The certainty of workforce change brings challenges and opportunities for individual nurses and midwives in the evolving work environment, as well as for leaders seeking to align services with Tasmania’s needs.  Workforce information can inform systemic and individual plans for change, and benefit from monitoring workplace change as it is implemented, particularly where changes to service models are expected to change the way nurses and midwives work.  So much has changed for the better in the last 20 years.  Where will our nursing and midwifery workforce take us in the next 20?


Biography:

Stephanie’s interest in the health workforce pre-dates her qualification as an RN by 20 years.  Starting out in Western Australia implementing rostering and human resource systems for regional health services, Stephanie has continued to be involved with workforce planning for health professions since.  She graduated as an RN in 2015, enjoyed her transition to practice year at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and currently works very part time as a practice nurse in a GP practice – mostly focussed on immunisation and chronic disease management.  Stephanie also works in a long term workforce planning role with the Department of Health, Tasmania.