Re-entry frequently asked questions

Re-entry to Practice/Bridging Programs

Re-entry to Practice Programs are for previously AUSTRALIAN trained or qualified (re-entrant) nurses and midwives who are CURRENTLY NOT registered, and wish to gain restoration of their registered with the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia (NMBA).
Registration Bridging Programs are for OVERSEAS trained or qualified nurses and midwives who are seeking to gain initial registration with the NMBA.

Effective as at January 2011, WA Health no longer offers Re-entry to Practice/Bridging Programs for Enrolled Nurses and Registered Nurses.
However similar courses are offered by external providers. Courses are alternatively referred to as ‘Conversion Program’
To locate accredited courses, refer to the NMBA website for list of programs for RN and EN
KEMH will continue to offer the Midwifery Registration Bridging Program. Contact the Coordinator Midwifery Registration Bridging Course for further information via email tricia.dempsey@health.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9340 1573.

Yes. The Nursing and Midwifery Office (NMO) is offering scholarships for nurses and midwives undertaking courses that leads to restoration of registration with NMBA and are delivered by a recognised and accredited West Australian (WA) education institution.
Scholarships are available for Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents only. Conditions will apply.
For more information, please visit the NMO website for scholarship information.

Under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, all courses that lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia must be provided by a Recognised Training Organisations (RTO’s). The Department of Health is not a RTO and does not qualify under the National Accreditation Criteria.

In 2013 WA Health offers will be offering a new Refresher Programs Pathway for ENs, RNs and Midwives
The new refresher pathway will be linked to employment to allow more flexible options for refresher nurses or midwives.
- to undertake online learning modules.
- to choose full-time or part-time fixed term contracts and be paid to undertake the assessment of clinical competencies
• Refresher applicants will be able to list 3 hospital preferences where they would like to be employed to undertake their refresher pathway placement.
Refresher pathways are designed to enhance clinical skills and knowledge for WA nurses and midwives, who are CURRENTLY registered with NMBA, however have not practised clinically in the last 5 years or so.

WA nurses or midwives that lack skills and knowledge in an acute care setting.
WA nurses or midwives that may have been working outside the acute clinical area and wish to return to an acute clinical setting, or may not have worked for a few years (less than 5 years).

Successful refresher pathway applicants will be offered 3 month fixed-term employment contracts

Yes, refresher pathway applicants will be given the flexibility to choose a full-time or part-time fixed-term contracts

There will be no cost for successful applicants. The Nursing and Midwifery Office has fully funded the fees for the Refresher Pathway online learning modules.
Applicants may be liable to repay course fees if they do the online learning modules but do not commence employment under the fixed term contract.

Yes, applicants will be offered a fixed term employment contract.
Refresher pathway nurses or midwives will undertake assessment of clinical competencies during this time

Upskilling courses relevant to specialty areas are offered intermittently and are subject to WA Health workforce demand.
Courses are not routinely available and offered.
Individuals must be supported by their employer to apply for upskilling courses.
Formal application assessment and process do apply.
Relevant courses will be advertised on the NMO website.