Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery

The Chief Nursing and Midwifery (CNM) Office engages and consults with stakeholders on contemporary Aboriginal nursing and midwifery matters. The CNM Office provides leadership and advice on policy, practice and issues that impact the current and future Aboriginal nursing and midwifery workforce.

Strengthening the Aboriginal Workforce

The CNM Office is committed to growing and strengthening the Aboriginal nursing and midwifery workforce.  Through broad stakeholder engagement the CNM Office is working towards achieving improved careers pathways, recruitment and retention strategies for Aboriginal nurses and midwives.

Moordidjadbiny Program - Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Mentoring program

Retaining Aboriginal nurses and midwives has been a persistent challenge in the WA Health system.

The Moordidjadbiny Program (Becoming Strong) has been developed in alignment with Strategy 7 of the Sustainable Health Review and Direction 5 of the WA Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Framework 2015-2030.

The program objective is to improve support and retention of Aboriginal nurses and midwives with the aim of reducing the health disparities experienced by Aboriginal Australians. It will ensure that employees are provided with an environment that is conducive to their cultural well-being and safety, with the support of culturally suitable mentors. The mentoring program has been introduced into health and community services including Royal Perth Hospital, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital and WA Country Health Services.

You can access the full article here.

GradConnect

Graduate, or transition to practice programs, assist newly qualified enrolled nurses, registered nurses and midwives to transition into the nursing and midwifery workforce in a supportive environment. These paid programs enable exposure to a variety of clinical settings, while consolidating theoretical learning, and the development of critical clinical skills and judgement.

Through the online GradConnect recruitment system, newly qualified enrolled nurses, registered nurses and midwives can apply for a graduate (or transition to practice) program at participating public, private or aged care health providers.

WA Health is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people. Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act (1984) applies to all GradConnect vacancies. We are committed to providing a culturally inclusive and safe workplace and Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Visit the GradConnect page for more information on the GradConnect process for Aboriginal nurses and midwives.

Additional Support

Rhonda Marriott Scholarship

The Rhonda Marriott Scholarship provides support and recognises the contribution of Aboriginal nurses and midwives and the crucial role that they play in WA Health.

This scholarship assists WA Health employed Aboriginal registered nurses and midwives with the costs associated with postgraduate education. Eligible courses include Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters.

To find more information about the Rhonda Marriott Scholarship, please follow this link.

Maar Mooditj student support services

Marr Mooditj Training Aboriginal Corporation provides student services to Aboriginal enrolled nurses. They offer culturally safe support to help Aboriginal students achieve their learning goals. More information on the available services can be found on the Marr Mooditj Training Aboriginal Corporation website.

Improving Aboriginal Health Outcomes

Birthing on Country – Connected to Country, Birthing on Country, On Country We Grow

The Birthing on CountryConnected to Country, Birthing on Country, On Country We Grow project is a collaboration between multiple stakeholders that aims to provide long term direction for the delivery of culturally safe maternal and newborn health services for Aboriginal women, infants and families in WA. 

The project, funded by WA Health and undertaken by ECU, will:

  • ascertain the Aboriginal maternity services, currently available in WA, and their utilisation
  • complete a national and international scan of culturally safe maternity care and the transition to child health services for Aboriginal women, infants and families
  • identify opportunities to enhance the prevention, screening and management of syphilis in Aboriginal women and non-Aboriginal women with complex social needs
  • identify opportunities for engagement with antenatal services for women with complex social needs

The project findings will be derived from a combination of literature review and data collected from The Birthing on Country Survey that will be launched in early 2023.The results will inform a report outlining next steps and recommendations to direct action in culturally safe maternal and transition of care services to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal mothers, infants and families and shape recommendations to enhance the prevention, screening and management of syphilis in Aboriginal women and non-Aboriginal women with complex social needs.

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Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office