Communities across Australia rely on Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide primary care, acute care and aged care. They are skilled, capable and trusted healthcare practitioners often working in some of the most rural and remote parts of the country.
In March 2023, the Australian Government released the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework 2023–2027. The Framework is a world first and describes the unique context of practice and core capabilities for rural and remote Registered Nurses in Australia.
As well as describing skills, capabilities and support needed by RNs, the Framework emphasises the importance of clinical decision-making judgement of the patient’s situation, culturally safe practice, collaboration, and partnerships with clients, families and communities.
The framework is for RNs who work in rural and remote locations across Australia, or are looking to relocate there. One such nurse who relocated is Clinton Archer, with Queensland Health, who was interviewed by Australian Health Journal for this segment.
Other ways the the Framework can be applied include:
- For Registered Nurses, mapping their development of the capabilities with a mentor, to develop from formative to proficient skill levels.
- For Educators and Education Providers, supporting individual skill development or curriculum based on the capabilities.
- Government, Organisations and Employers, using the Framework as a guide to grow and support the development of a skilled rural and remote RN workforce
The Framework was developed by the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner and Australian Health Journal spoke with National Rural Health Commissioner, Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, and Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner – Nursing and Midwifery, Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan, on the importance of rural and remote nursing and of the Framework itself.
Important contributions and expertise of the members of the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework Steering Committee (Steering Committee) led the Framework through its development and consultation. Steering Committee members represented the following organisations.
- Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Australian and New Zealand Council of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers
- Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)
- Australian College of Nursing (ACN)
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)
- Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)
- Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM)
- Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (CDNM)
- Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia (CRANAplus)
- James Cook University
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
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Clinical research integrates with GP and Pharmacist workflows to supplement practice revenue
Clinical trials are crucial to the development of evidence-based preventative medicines. In addition, participation in clinical trials can also provide patients with opportunities to access new treatments.
“Clinical trials are at the heart of medical advances which look into new ways to treat, prevent, or detect disease. Volunteers often do so to help contribute to advancing scientific research, knowing that they are participating in the hope of helping future generations,” said Charlotte Bradshaw, CEO and Founder to Evrima Technologies.
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ICTD: Why negative results in clinical trials matter
To mark International Clinical Trials Day 2026, Australian Health Journal commences a 4 part special series leaving up to 20th May. Through conversations with leading researchers, clinicians and trial organisations, the series highlights achievements in the year that was for clinical trials.
Negative results in a clinical trial can be extremely valuable — both scientifically and ethically. A “negative result” usually means the treatment being tested did not work better than the standard treatment, placebo, or expected outcome.Negative results in a clinical trial can be extremely valuable — both scientifically and ethically. A “negative result” usually means the treatment being tested did not work better than the standard treatment, placebo, or expected outcome.
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Upskilling & empowering Health Professionals to support preconception to pre-school level health
A new podcast series, developed by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, is designed to upskill and empower health professionals in their support of parents from preconception through to the pre-school years.
Clinician’s Guide to the First 2000 Days follows the success of Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s first podcast series Clinician’s Guide to Healthy Kids, launched in 2023. Both focus on supporting health professionals to have effective conversations on positive health behaviours.
