Title: A Guide to Making Changes to the Nursing and Midwifery Standardised Position Titles List
Author: Government of Western Australia, Department of Health
About
"A Guide to Making Changes to the Nursing and Midwifery Standardised Position Titles List" by the WA Department of Health is a guide for modifying nursing and midwifery position titles. It's designed to work in conjunction with the Workforce Data Policy MP 0091/18.
The guide lays out a systematic approach for adding, altering, or deleting titles within the standardised list of nursing and midwifery positions. Position titling in Western Australian nursing and midwifery follows a two-part convention, combining a left-hand side (LHS) descriptor indicating the role and career hierarchy, with an optional right-hand side (RHS) descriptor specifying work context or speciality.
The document explains the distinction between multiple occupant and single occupant positions in nursing and midwifery staffing. It also details a standardised list for position titles, aiming to streamline and rationalise the naming process across various levels and specialties. This guide is an essential tool for ensuring consistency and clarity in the naming of nursing and midwifery positions across Western Australia.
Author
The guide is authored by the Government of Western Australia, Department of Health, which is responsible for overseeing and managing health services across the state. The Department sets standards and policies for healthcare professionals, including nurses and midwives.
Key Takeaways
- Standardised Titling System
The guide provides a structured approach to naming nursing and midwifery positions. - Two-Part Naming Convention
Explains the use of LHS and RHS descriptors in position titles. - Differentiation of Position Types
Distinguishes between multiple occupant and single occupant positions. - Clear Guidelines for Title Changes
Offers a clear process for adding, altering, or deleting position titles. - Consistency Across Levels and Specialties
Aims for uniformity in naming across various nursing and midwifery roles.
Clinical Nurse Consultants
The guide outlines that in Western Australia, a Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) is included within the Senior Registered Nurse (SRN) levels 1 to 4 classification. This role involves advanced nursing responsibilities which may include specialised patient care, clinical leadership, and involvement in management, research, and teaching. CNCs are recognised for their expertise, autonomy, and decision-making skills in their area of practice.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Australia?
Nurse Educator Roles in WA
In Western Australia, the role of a Nurse Educator, while not distinctly defined, falls under the scope of Senior Registered Nurses (SRN) levels 1 to 4.
At the SRN Level 1, Nurse Educators primarily focus on clinical education and consultancy within their specific practice settings. As they progress through the SRN levels, their responsibilities expand to include broader educational tasks such as curriculum development, coordination of staff development programs, and leading educational initiatives across different wards or units.
Related: Clinical Nurse Educator Role in Australia | Grad Cert in Nurse Education Online