Title: Public Health System Nurses' and Midwives' (State) Award 2023
Author: Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/conditions/awards/nurses.pdf
About
The "Public Health System Nurses' and Midwives' (State) Award 2023" is a comprehensive document issued by the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales. Its primary purpose is to outline the terms, conditions, and various entitlements applicable to nurses and midwives working within the public health system of New South Wales.
The document includes detailed sections on work arrangements, salaries, allowances, leave entitlements, and other workplace conditions. It serves as a crucial guide for understanding employment standards and remuneration for nurses and midwives in the state's public health sector.
The Award is structured to provide clarity on the specific roles and responsibilities of nursing and midwifery staff. It covers a wide range of topics from hours of work, salary scales, special allowances, and educational leave, to specific conditions related to different nursing roles. This extensive coverage ensures that all aspects of employment within the public health system are comprehensively addressed, providing a clear framework for both employers and employees in the nursing and midwifery fields.
Author
The author of this document is the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales, an authoritative body responsible for regulating industrial relations in the state. The Commission oversees the creation and enforcement of awards and agreements that set out employment conditions. It plays a vital role in ensuring fair and equitable treatment of workers, including those in the healthcare sector.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Employment Guide
The document is an essential guide for nurses and midwives, detailing employment terms, conditions, and entitlements in NSW's public health system. - Detailed Salary and Allowance Information
It provides specific salary scales and various allowances, crucial for financial planning and understanding compensation structures. - Leave and Work Hours
The Award outlines leave entitlements and work hour regulations, important for work-life balance and career planning. - Role Specific Conditions
Different roles within nursing and midwifery have specific conditions and requirements, which are clearly detailed in the document. - Career Progression Insights
For those looking to advance their careers, the document offers valuable information on educational leave, special rates, and grading, which can influence career decisions.
Salaries
MONETARY RATES - 01/07/2023
Table 1 - Salaries
| Description | Salary ($ Per week) |
|---|---|
| Assistants in Nursing / Midwifery | |
| 1st Year | 964.70 |
| 2nd Year | 995.40 |
| 3rd Year | 1026.70 |
| 4th Year and Thereafter | 1058.40 |
| Enrolled Nurse Without Medication Qualification | |
| 1st Year | 1183.90 |
| 2nd Year | 1209.90 |
| 3rd Year | 1235.60 |
| 4th Year | 1261.90 |
| 5th Year and Thereafter | 1288.60 |
| Special Grade >08/12/1999 | 1328.70 |
| Enrolled Nurse | |
| 1st Year | 1209.90 |
| 2nd Year | 1235.60 |
| 3rd Year | 1261.90 |
| 4th Year | 1288.60 |
| 5th Year and Thereafter | 1314.70 |
| Special Grade | 1354.90 |
| Registered Nurse / Midwife | |
| 1st Year | 1342.50 |
| 2nd Year | 1415.30 |
| 3rd Year | 1488.40 |
| 4th Year | 1566.80 |
| 5th Year | 1644.60 |
| 6th Year | 1721.90 |
| 7th Year | 1810.50 |
| 8th Year and Thereafter | 1884.90 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | |
| Clinical Nurse / Midwife Specialist | |
| Grade 1 - 1st Year and Thereafter | 1961.50 |
| Grade 2 - 1st Year | 2107.10 |
| Grade 2 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2176.30 |
| Clinical Nurse / Midwife Consultant | |
| Appointed prior to 31.12.99 | 2412.10 |
| Grade 1 - 1st Year >31.12.99 | 2357.90 |
| Grade 1 - 1st Year >31.12.99 | 2406.10 |
| Grade 2 - 1st Year >31.12.99 | 2453.70 |
| Grade 2 - 2nd Year >31.12.99 | 2502.60 |
| Grade 3 - 1st Year >31.12.99 | 2598.60 |
| Grade 3 - 2nd Year >31.12.99 | 2646.90 |
| Clinical Nurse / Midwife Educator | |
| Year 1 | 2040.90 |
| Year 2 and Thereafter | 2107.10 |
| Nurse / Midwife Educator | |
| 4th Year as at 1/7/08 | 2412.10 |
| Grade 1 - 1st Year | 2292.50 |
| Grade 1 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2357.90 |
| Grade 2 - 1st Year | 2453.70 |
| Grade 2 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2502.60 |
| Grade 3 - 1st Year | 2598.60 |
| Grade 3 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2646.90 |
| Nurse / Midwife Practitioner | |
| 1st Year | 2598.60 |
| 2nd Year | 2646.90 |
| 3rd Year | 2714.50 |
| 4th Year | 2782.40 |
| Nursing / Midwifery Unit Manager | |
| Level 1 | 2364.80 |
| Level 2 | 2476.80 |
| Level 3 | 2543.40 |
| Nurse / Midwife Manager | |
| Grade 1 - 1st Year | 2357.90 |
| Grade 1 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2406.10 |
| Grade 2 - 1st Year | 2453.70 |
| Grade 2 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2502.60 |
| Grade 3 - 1st Year | 2598.60 |
| Grade 3 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2646.90 |
| Grade 4 - 1st Year | 2743.00 |
| Grade 4 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2791.20 |
| Grade 5 - 1st Year | 2886.70 |
| Grade 5 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 2935.60 |
| Grade 6 - 1st Year | 3031.80 |
| Grade 6 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 3080.40 |
| Grade 7 - 1st Year | 3271.90 |
| Grade 7 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 3320.70 |
| Grade 8 - 1st Year | 3513.30 |
| Grade 8 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 3561.20 |
| Grade 9 - 1st Year | 3753.50 |
| Grade 9 - 2nd Year and Thereafter | 3801.90 |
| Registered Mothercraft Nurse | |
| 9th Year | 1599.70 |
Related: Nurse Salary Australia: Official Pay Rates
RN Salaries
Registered Nurses (RNs) form the bulk of the nursing workforce in NSW, with salaries that depend on experience. Starting at $1342.50 per week for first-year RNs, their pay increases with each year of service, reaching up to $1884.90 per week for those in the eighth year and beyond.
Specialised nursing roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse/Midwife Consultants are compensated even more generously. These positions, requiring advanced skills and responsibilities, start at around $1961.50 per week for Grade 1 roles, escalating to approximately $2646.90 for more experienced Grade 3 roles.
Related: What Is a Registered Nurse in Australia?
Highest Paid Nursing Roles
Nurse/Midwife Practitioners in New South Wales are among the top earners. In their first year, they earn a weekly wage of $2,598.60. With progression, this salary increases significantly. By the fourth year, it reaches $2,782.40 per week.
Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialists also command high salaries. At Grade 1, they start with $1,961.50 per week. For Grade 2, the starting salary is $2,107.10, rising to $2,176.30 in subsequent years.
For Registered Nurses/Midwives, salary growth is notable over time. They start at $1,342.50 per week. By the eighth year, the salary grows to $1,884.90 per week.
Related: Highest Paid Nurses in Australia (Ranked)
Continuing Education Allowance
In New South Wales, nurses and midwives are eligible for a Continuing Education Allowance (CEA) when they acquire additional qualifications beyond their initial registration credentials. This allowance is applicable to various nursing roles, including Registered Nurses and Midwives (from years 1 to 8), Clinical Specialists, and Nurse/Midwife Managers across different grades.
Table 2 - Other Rates and Allowances
| Nurse Type | Qualifications | Payment Rate (Per Week) | Payment (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse |
|
$32.20 | $1,680 |
| Enrolled Nurse |
|
$40.50 | $2,113 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife, Clinical Specialists, Managers |
|
$44.70 | $2,332 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife, Clinical Specialists, Managers |
|
$67.20 | $3,506 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife, Clinical Specialists, Managers |
|
$80.70 | $4,211 |
Related: Continuing Education Allowance Rates for Nursing in Australia
The key criterion for receiving this allowance is that the additional qualification must be directly relevant to the clinical competencies and skills required in their current position.
If a nurse or midwife holds multiple relevant qualifications, they are only entitled to the allowance of the highest monetary value. The allowance is not included in the ordinary rate of pay but is considered during periods of paid leave and for salary-related allowance increases.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
In NSW, a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Clinical Midwife Specialist is a Registered Nurse or Midwife with a high level of clinical knowledge and skill. They provide complex care in specific practice areas, requiring minimal direct supervision. These specialists contribute to clinical practice development, mentor others, and focus on personal professional development.
The role is categorised into Grade 1 and Grade 2, with Grade 2 requiring more experience and involving extended decision-making autonomy and advanced clinical skills. This structure allows for progression in expertise and leadership within nursing and midwifery.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Australia?
Roles for Clinical Nurse Educators
In New South Wales, Clinical Nurse Educators (CNEs) and Clinical Midwife Educators deliver and evaluate clinical education programs directly at the ward or unit level. They have roles that are clearly defined in the Award.
These educators not only deliver nursing education but also contribute to the development of their colleagues. They mentor less experienced staff, act as preceptors for new staff, and provide essential support for skill development in clinical procedures. Additionally, they help develop clinical policies and manage ward or unit-based in-service programs.
As CNEs gain experience, there are opportunities for progression to higher roles such as Nurse Educator or Midwife Educator. These roles come in various grades, each entailing a wider range of responsibilities:
- Nurse Educator/Midwife Educator Grade 1 is responsible for the development and delivery of nursing/midwifery education courses at the hospital or community service level.
- Grade 2 educators handle nursing/midwifery education programs for specific clinical divisions or community-based health services.
- Grade 3 focuses on comprehensive education programs across Local Health Districts or in tertiary referral public hospitals.
CNEs who successfully complete 12 months of effective service qualify for higher pay as they progress in their roles. Additionally, CNEs with postgraduate qualifications in education or clinical areas receive special allowances, known as "continuing education allowances." Suitable qualifications include Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education and Masters in Nursing Education.
Related: Clinical Nurse Educator Role in Australia
Nurse Unit Manager
In New South Wales, a Nursing/Midwifery Unit Manager (NUM) Level 1 oversees a ward or unit in a public hospital or health service. Their responsibilities are grouped into three categories.
- Coordination of Patient Services. Liaise with healthcare disciplines for patient care, orchestrate post-discharge services, and monitor catering and transport.
- Unit Management. Implement policies, disseminate information, ensuring environmental safety, manage equipment, oversee stock and supplies, and maintain cleaning services.
- Nursing Staff Management. Direct nursing activities, train and appraise staff, rostering, and implement new nursing practices.
Higher levels, such as NUM Level 2 and Level 3, assume these responsibilities with additional duties and broader scope in patient services, unit management, and staff management.
Related: How to Become a Nursing Unit Manager in Australia
Perioperative Staffing Requirements
The Award specifies that in the public sector nurse enterprise agreement of New South Wales, specific perioperative staffing requirements are required.
For each operating session in Operating Rooms, the minimum staffing must include two nurses. One of these must be a Registered Nurse and the other can be a suitably qualified and endorsed Enrolled Nurse. These nurses fulfill the roles of scrub/instrument nurse and scout nurse. Additionally, there must be one Anaesthetic nurse or another trained and qualified anaesthetic staff member. This ensures a high standard of patient care and safety during perioperative services.