Title: Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024
Author: The Victorian Public Sector
About
The "Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024" sets out the terms and conditions of employment for nurses and midwives in the Victorian public sector. It includes provisions on wages, work hours, allowances, leave entitlements, and workplace safety. The document is structured to address a wide range of employment aspects, ensuring that nurses and midwives have a clear understanding of their workplace rights and benefits.
The agreement is divided into several parts, each focusing on key areas such as types of employment, salary details, hours of work, public holidays, leave policies, and educational and professional development opportunities. It also covers health and safety in the workplace, underscoring the importance of a safe and secure working environment for nursing and midwifery professionals.
Author
The agreement is authored by the Victorian Public Sector, which includes various public health organisations in Victoria. This sector is tasked with maintaining fair and equitable employment conditions within the state's public health system.
Key Takeaways
- Employment Terms
Details on employment terms for nurses and midwives in Victoria's public sector. - Salary and Allowances
Information on salary scales and various allowances. - Working Hours and Leave
Guidelines on working hours and leave policies. - Professional Development
Provisions for professional development and education. - Health and Safety
Emphasis on workplace health and safety measures.
Nurse Pay Rates
The EBA sets out the pay rates for nurses and midwives in the Victorian public service by classification and grade.
| Classification | Grade | Weekly salary from 01/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| TRAINEE YEAR 1 | TEN 1 | $967.40 |
| TRAINEE YEAR 2 | TEN 2 | $1,046.90 |
| EN LEVEL 1 Year 1 | EN 1.1 | $1,145.90 |
| EN LEVEL 1 Year 2 | EN 1.2 | $1,169.40 |
| EN LEVEL 1 Year 3 | EN 1.3 | $1,192.50 |
| EN LEVEL 1 Year 4 | EN 1.4 | $1,216.20 |
| EN LEVEL 1 Year 5 | EN 1.5 | $1,262.80 |
| EN LEVEL 1 Year 6 | EN 1.6 | $1,301.90 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Cert IV Year 1 | EN 2.1 | $1,230.60 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Cert IV Year 2 | EN 2.2 | $1,258.00 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Cert IV Year 3 | EN 2.3 | $1,285.70 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Cert IV Year 4 | EN 2.4 | $1,313.10 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Cert IV Year 5 | EN 2.5 | $1,340.50 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Cert IV Year 6 | EN 2.6 | $1,354.50 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Diploma Year 1 | EN 2.3 | $1,285.70 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Diploma Year 2 | EN 2.4 | $1,313.10 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Diploma Year 3 | EN 2.5 | $1,340.50 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Diploma Year 4 | EN 2.6 | $1,354.50 |
| EN LEVEL 2 Diploma Year 5 (with 5 routes**) | EN 2.7 | $1,368.10 |
| EN LEVEL 3 (SA***) | EN 3.1 | $1,436.60 |
| EN LEVEL 3 (with 4 routes****) | EN 3.2 | $1,488.10 |
| EN LEVEL 3 (with 5 routes) | EN 3.3 | $1,512.20 |
| RUSON YEAR 1 | RUSON 1 | $974.00 |
| RUSON YEAR 2 | RUSON 2 | $1,038.90 |
| RUSON YEAR 3 | RUSON 3 | $1,103.80 |
| RUSOM YEAR 1 | RUSOM 1 | $974.00 |
| RUSOM YEAR 2 | RUSOM 2 | $1,038.90 |
| RUSOM YEAR 3 | RUSOM 3 | $1,103.80 |
| RN G2 Y1 STUD M/WIFE | RN/M 1 | $1,298.60 |
| RN G2 Y2 STUD M/WIFE | RN/M 2 | $1,371.80 |
| RN G2 Y3 STUD M/WIFE | RN/M 3 | $1,444.90 |
| RN G2 Y4 STUD M/WIFE | RN/M 4 | $1,523.30 |
| RN G2 Y5 STUD M/WIFE | RN/M 5 | $1,601.20 |
| RN G2 Y6 STUD M/WIFE | RN/M 6 | $1,677.00 |
| RN G2 Y7 STUD M/WIFE | RN/M 7 | $1,762.70 |
| RN G2 Y8 STUD M/WIFE | RN/M 8 | $1,834.20 |
| RN GRADE 2 YEAR 1 (Grad Year) | RN/M 1 | $1,298.60 |
| RN GRADE 2 YEAR 2 | RN/M 2 | $1,371.80 |
| RN GRADE 2 YEAR 3 | RN/M 3 | $1,444.90 |
| RN GRADE 2 YEAR 4 | RN/M 4 | $1,523.30 |
| RN GRADE 2 YEAR 5 | RN/M 5 | $1,601.20 |
| RN GRADE 2 YEAR 6 | RN/M 6 | $1,677.00 |
| RN GRADE 2 YEAR 7 | RN/M 7 | $1,762.70 |
| RN GRADE 2 YEAR 8 | RN/M 8 | $1,834.20 |
| MIDWIFE GR 2 YR 1 (Grad Year) | RN/M 1 | $1,298.60 |
| MIDWIFE GR 2 YR 2 | RN/M 2 | $1,371.80 |
| MIDWIFE GR 2 YR 3 | RN/M 3 | $1,444.90 |
| MIDWIFE GR 2 YR 4 | RN/M 4 | $1,523.30 |
| MIDWIFE GR 2 YR 5 | RN/M 5 | $1,601.20 |
| MIDWIFE GR 2 YR 6 | RN/M 6 | $1,677.00 |
| MIDWIFE GR 2 YR 7 | RN/M 7 | $1,762.70 |
| MIDWIFE GR 2 YR 8 | RN/M 8 | $1,834.20 |
| Research Nurse Level 1 Year 1 | RN/M 1 | $1,298.60 |
| Research Nurse Level 1 Year 2 | RN/M 2 | $1,371.80 |
| Research Nurse Level 1 Year 3 | RN/M 3 | $1,444.90 |
| Research Nurse Level 1 Year 4 | RN/M 4 | $1,523.30 |
| Research Nurse Level 1 Year 5 | RN/M 5 | $1,601.20 |
| Research Nurse Level 1 Year 6 | RN/M 6 | $1,677.00 |
| Research Nurse Level 1 Year 7 | RN/M 7 | $1,762.70 |
| Research Nurse Level 1 Year 8 | RN/M 8 | $1,834.20 |
| Research Midwife Level 1 Year 1 | RN/M 1 | $1,298.60 |
| Research Midwife Level 1 Year 2 | RN/M 2 | $1,371.80 |
| Research Midwife Level 1 Year 3 | RN/M 3 | $1,444.90 |
| Research Midwife Level 1 Year 4 | RN/M 4 | $1,523.30 |
| Research Midwife Level 1 Year 5 | RN/M 5 | $1,601.20 |
| Research Midwife Level 1 Year 6 | RN/M 6 | $1,677.00 |
| Research Midwife Level 1 Year 7 | RN/M 7 | $1,762.70 |
| Research Midwife Level 1 Year 8 | RN/M 8 | $1,834.20 |
| DISTRICT NURSE Level 1 | CN 2.1 | $1,601.20 |
| CN 2.2 | $1,677.00 | |
| CN 2.3 | $1,762.70 | |
| CN 2.4 | $1,834.20 | |
| CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST | CAPR 1 | $1,908.70 |
| CLINICAL MIDWIFE SPECIALIST | CAPR 1 | $1,908.70 |
| CLIN SPEC STUD MIDW | CAPR 1 | $1,908.70 |
| DISTRICT NURSE Level 2 | CN 3 | $1,912.30 |
| COMM HLTH NURSE | CN 4 | $1,966.90 |
| Clinical Support Nurse | QRED 1 | $1,966.90 |
| Clinical Support Midwife | QRED 1 | $1,966.90 |
| OCC HEALTH NURSE SOLE/SUPER | QRED 1 | $1,966.90 |
| Research Nurse Level 2 | QRED 1 | $1,966.90 |
| HITH/PAC NURSE Level 1 | CAPR 2 | $1,966.90 |
| ANUM YEAR 1 | NM 1.1 | $2,054.50 |
| ANUM YEAR 2 | NM 1.2 | $2,123.70 |
| AMUM YEAR 1 | NM 1.1 | $2,054.50 |
| AMUM YEAR 2 | NM 1.2 | $2,123.70 |
| Educator (non-major) Year 1 and 2 | QRED 2 | $2,076.20 |
| COMM HLTH NURSE (sole) | CN 5 | $2,076.20 |
| COMM HLTH MIDWIFE (sole) | CN 5 | $2,076.20 |
| No Lift Coordinator | QRED 2 | $2,076.20 |
| AST SUPER DISTRICT NURSING | CN 5 | $2,076.20 |
| CLIN COORD DISTRICT NURSING | CN 5 | $2,076.20 |
| LIAIS OFF DISTRICT NURSING | CN 5 | $2,076.20 |
| CLIN NURSE CONS A | CAPR 3.1 | $2,076.20 |
| CLIN MIDWIFE CONS A | CAPR 3.1 | $2,076.20 |
| HITH/PAC NURSE Level 2 | CAPR 3.1 | $2,076.20 |
| Educator (non-major) Year 3 and subseq | QRED 3 | $2,185.50 |
| Educator (major) | QRED 3 | $2,185.50 |
| COMM HLTH (in-charge) | CN 6 | $2,185.50 |
| MAT&CHILD NURSE | CAPR 3.2 | $2,185.50 |
| CLIN NURSE CONS B | CAPR 3.2 | $2,185.50 |
| CLIN MIDWIFE CONS B | CAPR 3.2 | $2,185.50 |
| Level 3 Research Nurse | QRED 2 | $2,185.50 |
| Level 3 Research Midwife | QRED 2 | $2,185.50 |
| NURSE UNIT MANAGER Level 1 | NM 2 | $2,339.30 |
| NURSE UNIT MANAGER Level 2 | NM 3 | $2,424.50 |
| NURSE UNIT MANAGER Level 3 | NM 4 | $2,509.80 |
| MIDWIFE UNIT MANAGER Level 1 | NM 2 | $2,339.30 |
| MIDWIFE UNIT MANAGER Level 2 | NM 3 | $2,424.50 |
| MIDWIFE UNIT MANAGER Level 3 | NM 4 | $2,509.80 |
| CLIN NURSE CONS C Year 1 | CAPR 4.1 | $2,294.70 |
| CLIN NURSE CONS C Year 2 | CAPR 4.2 | $2,349.30 |
| CLIN MIDWIFE CONS C Year 1 | CAPR 4.1 | $2,294.70 |
| CLIN MIDWIFE CONS C Year 1 | CAPR 4.2 | $2,349.30 |
| CLIN LIAISON NURSE Year 1 | CAPR 4.1 | $2,294.70 |
| CLIN LIAISON NURSE Year 2 | CAPR 4.2 | $2,349.30 |
| ADON/M Level 1 | NM 5B | $2,349.30 |
| ADON/M Level 2 | NM 5C | $2,294.70 |
| Nurse Manager not elsewhere defined | NM5C | $2,294.70 |
| ADON GROUP (7A or 8B campus) | NM 5D | $2,185.50 |
| ADON GROUP (8D or 8C campus) | NM 5C | $2,294.70 |
| ADON GROUP (8B campus) | NM 5B | $2,349.30 |
| ADON GROUP (8A campus) | NM 5A | $2,404.00 |
| After Hours Coordinator (7A or 7B campus) | NM 5D | $2,185.50 |
| After Hours Coordinator (8D or 8C campus) | NM 5C | $2,294.70 |
| After Hours Coordinator (8B campus) CHECK | NM 5B | $2,349.30 |
| After Hours Coordinator (8A campus) CHECK | NM 5A | $2,404.00 |
| Educator-Course / Phase / Inservice / Continuing Education Year 1 | QRED 4.2 | $2,294.70 |
| Educator-Course / Phase / Inservice / Continuing Education Year 2 | QRED 4.3 | $2,349.30 |
| Level 4 Research Nurse Year 1 | QRED 4.2 | $2,294.70 |
| Level 4 Research Nurse Year 2 | QRED 4.3 | $2,349.30 |
| Level 4 Research Midwife Year 1 | QRED 4.2 | $2,294.70 |
| Level 4 Research Midwife Year 2 | QRED 4.3 | $2,349.30 |
| DAY HOS COORD Level 1 | NM 5D | $2,294.70 |
| DAY HOS COORD Level 2 | NM 5C | $2,294.70 |
| CLIN NURSE CONS D | CAPR 5 | $2,731.90 |
| CLIN MIDWIFE CONS D | CAPR 5 | $2,731.90 |
| Deputy Director of Nursing (7A or 7B campus) | NM 6D | $2,294.70 |
| Deputy Director of Nursing (8D or 8C campus) | NM 6C | $2,404.00 |
| Deputy Director of Nursing (8B campus) | NM 6B | $2,731.90 |
| Deputy Director of Nursing (8A campus) | NM 6A | $3,168.90 |
| PRINCIPAL EDUCATOR (7A or 7B campus) | QRED 5D | $2,294.70 |
| PRINCIPAL EDUCATOR (8D or 8C campus) | QRED 5C | $2,404.00 |
| PRINCIPAL EDUCATOR (8B campus) | QRED 5B | $2,731.90 |
| PRINCIPAL EDUCATOR (8A campus) | QRED 5A | $3,168.90 |
| D/P Educator (7A or 7B campus) | QRED 4D | $2,185.50 |
| D/P Educator (8D or 8C campus) | QRED 4C | $2,294.70 |
| D/P Educator (8B campus) | QRED 4B | $2,349.30 |
| D/P Educator (8A campus) | QRED 4A | $2,404.00 |
| DIV/CLINICAL DIRECTOR (7A or 7B campus) | NM 6D | $2,294.70 |
| DIV/CLINICAL DIRECTOR (8D or 8C campus) | NM 6C | $2,404.00 |
| DIV/CLINICAL DIRECTOR (8B campus) | NM 6B | $2,731.90 |
| DIV/CLINICAL DIRECTOR (8A campus) | NM 6A | $3,168.90 |
| NURSE PRACTITIONER YR 1 | CAPR 7.1 | $2,546.50 |
| NURSE PRACTITIONER YR 2 | CAPR 7.2 | $2,594.90 |
| CLIN NURSE CONS E | CAPR 6 | $2,863.00 |
| CLIN MIDWIFE CONS E | CAPR 6 | $2,863.00 |
| Campus DON of Group 7B campus | NM 7B | $2,513.30 |
| Campus DON of Group 8D campus | NM 8D | $2,513.30 |
| Campus DON of Group 7A campus | NM 7A | $2,622.60 |
| Campus DON of Group 8C campus | NM 7A | $2,622.60 |
| Campus DON of Group 8B campus | NM 8B | $2,863.00 |
| Campus DON of Group 8A campus | NM 8A | 3,433.10 |
| Executive DON Group A health service | NM 9A | $3,806.60 |
| Executive DON Group B health service | NM 9B | $3,059.60 |
| Executive DON Group C health service | NM 9C | $2,863.00 |
Related: Nurse Salary Australia: Official Pay Rates
Highest Paid Nursing Roles in Victoria
In the Victorian Public Sector, specialised nursing roles are among the highest earners. Nurse Practitioners, for instance, start at a yearly salary of $2,546.50 in their first year, rising to $2,594.90 in the second year. Clinical Nurse Consultants, under the classification of 'CLIN NURSE CONS E', earn $2,863.00 per week.
Registered Nurses and Midwives also see a significant increase in salary with experience and advancement. For example, a Registered Nurse Grade 2 in their eighth year earns $1,834.20 per week. Similarly, Midwives at the same grade and year earn the same rate.
Related: Highest Paid Nurses in Australia (Ranked)
Qualification Allowances
In Victoria, the Qualifications Allowance rewards nurses for acquiring relevant additional qualifications beyond their primary nursing education. This allowance is calculated as a percentage of the nurse's base rate of pay, which is their standard salary level according to their grade and step in the nursing pay scale.
| Nurse Type | Qualifications | Allowance Rate | $ per year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse/Midwife | Hospital Certificate or Graduate Certificate or equivalent | 4.0% of Base Rate | $3,342 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife | Postgraduate Diploma, Degree or Double Degree | 6.5% of Base Rate | $5,431 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife | Masters | 7.5% of Base Rate | $6,266 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife | Doctorate or PhD | 10% of Base Rate | $8,355 |
| Enrolled Nurse | Certificate or qualification (6 months' duration) | 4% of weekly rate for EN 1.6 | $2,717 |
| Enrolled Nurse | Certificate or qualification (12 months' duration) | 7.5% of weekly rate for EN 1.6 | $5,095 |
| All Nurses | Certificate IV in Training and Assessment | 3.5% of Base Rate per week | $2,378 |
* Note: Assuming a classification of RN GRADE 2 YEAR 5 in the case of registered nurses.
For Registered Nurses and Midwives, the allowance varies depending on the qualification, such as a Graduate Certificate or a Doctorate. Enrolled Nurses are also eligible for this allowance, with the rate depending on the duration and level of the courses they complete.
Related: Higher Qualification Allowances for Nurses in Australia
Clinical Nurse Specialist
In Victoria, a Clinical Nurse Specialist is a Registered Nurse with advanced qualifications and experience. They either hold post-basic qualifications with a year's experience in their specialty area or have a minimum of four years post-registration experience. This includes three years in a relevant specialist field.
Their role encompasses advanced clinical decision-making and a commitment to improving clinical standards. They also serve as mentors and role models for less experienced nurses. In addition, they actively contribute to quality improvement and research within their practice area.
Furthermore, Clinical Nurse Specialists in Victoria are involved in continuous professional development. They maintain membership in relevant professional bodies and participate in educational activities.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Australia?
Clinical Consultant Classification and Progression
The EBA outlines the classification and progression of Clinical Consultants, who are Registered Nurses or Midwives dedicated to providing clinical advisory and developmental services. The agreement defines distinct levels from Clinical Consultant A to E, reflecting the experience, specialty focus, and scope of their practice. Here's a breakdown of each level:
- Clinical Consultant A: This classification is for Registered Nurses or Midwives in their first and second years of experience as a Clinical Consultant. They provide clinical resources, advisory and developmental roles, and engage in related research and development activities within a clinical discipline.
- Clinical Consultant B: Applicable for those in their third and subsequent years as a Clinical Consultant A. These individuals continue to fulfill a similar role as in Clinical Consultant A but with additional experience.
- Clinical Consultant C: This level includes Registered Nurses or Midwives who are either the sole consultant in their specialty at a given site or campus, in charge of a specialty team, or consulting across multiple campuses or sites of the Health Service. The 'sole' classification applies when there is only one nurse consultant in that clinical specialty at a site or when the combined effective full-time (EFT) of more than one consultant is one or less, but they predominantly work different days or job share.
- Clinical Consultant D: This classification is for those primarily consulting on a multi Health Service or statewide basis. It indicates a broader scope of influence and responsibility compared to the previous levels.
- Clinical Consultant E: The highest level, for Registered Nurses or Midwives who provide clinical consultancy on an interstate or national basis. This level signifies a significant expansion in the scope and impact of the consultancy work, extending beyond the state to national levels.
Each classification level represents an escalation in experience, responsibility, and the scope of practice, ranging from site-specific consultancy in the early years to consulting at an interstate or national level for the most experienced Clinical Consultants.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Australia?
Nurse Educator Roles
In this agreement, specific roles and responsibilities for nurse educators and clinical support staff in Victoria are defined.
- Clinical Support Nurses/Midwives: Provide direct clinical support and instruction, mentor less experienced staff, and focus on skill development without carrying a clinical caseload.
- Educators: Registered Nurses or midwives focused on teaching nursing or midwifery theory and practice.
- Educators – Course/Phase/In-service Continuing Education: Handle administrative tasks and curriculum development.
- Principal Educators: Lead the administration and implementation of nursing education programs.
Qualifications that may be needed or advantageous for nurse educator careers include a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education and Masters in Nursing Education.
Related: Clinical Nurse Educator Role in Australia
Nurse Unit Manager
The duties of a Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) in Victoria, as outlined in the enterprise agreement, include overseeing the clinical and administrative management of a ward or unit.
"NUM means an Employee who is a Registered Nurse appointed as a Nurse Unit Manager in charge of a ward or unit and who is classified at the Nurse Manager grade of NM 2, 3 or 4."
"ANUM is a Registered Nurse appointed as an Associate Nurse Unit Manager and who, within the guidelines and practices established by the Nurse Unit Manager, assists in the overall clinical and administrative management of a ward or unit and deputises for the Nurse Unit Manager when required within these limits."