There are many people in our communities who need a hand to recover from illness. Imagine what the world would be like if these people had to manage on their own… now put nurses in the picture… it's a much better world now, huh?! Are you in the picture too? Don't underestimate the power of caring for other people. It takes a strong will and a big heart to become a nurse. You also need to be physically fit and mentally alert, responsible and practical. Consider nursing as a career - you'll feel like a hero every day!

Do you know that International Nurses' Day is celebrated on May 12, which is Florence Nightingale's birthday?

Florence Nightingale is the founder of modern nursing.

She became famous for her nursing work during the Crimean War of 1853 to 1856. Florence Nightingale saved the lives of hundreds of soldiers during a time when little was known about the importance of cleanliness and patient care.

Florence Nightingale also wrote about nursing techniques in books that are still used by nurses today.

What a legend! Find out more about Florence Nightingale and the history of nursing.

Australia is currently facing a critical shortage of nurses. It is estimated that 5000 newly trained nurses are needed to fill the need in our hospitals and communities.

Part of the reason for this shortage is a myth about nursing being women's work.

You might have heard the rumours that nursing isn't a masculine job.

Maybe you've heard that real men become doctors, not nurses.

The truth is that women were once banned from studying medicine. Nursing was the way they could fulfill their ambitions to become healers.

Nursing used to be undervalued because it was seen as women's work and inferior to the work of male doctors.

These views are changing, as we understand more about the way our society works.

Nursing is a vital part of modern medicine. It is diverse and exciting, rewarding and stimulating.

Nursing is a fascinating combination of science, communication, technology, study and practical training.

The possibilities for a career path in nursing are only limited by your ambitions.

If you find working with people rewarding, and you are looking for a challenging career in health sciences, consider nursing. You will not only be helping yourself create a diverse career path, you will make your community a better place to live.

Due to the chronic shortage of trained nurses in Australia, you are guaranteed a stable job.

A first year trainee enrolled nurse or nursing assistant can expect about $20 000 per year. Your wages will increase as you develop your qualifications and progress through the ranks. A Registered Nurse can earn around $40 000 per year.

You can also earn more money through overtime work and other benefits.

Find out more about your wages and conditions on the NSW Nurses' Association website.

You can research NSW awards on the NSW Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website
or you can contact the NSW DIR Award Enquiry Service or your local NSW DIR office.

WageNet gives you information about Federal awards. You can ask for help by filling in an online enquiry form or you can contact the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) WageLine.

If you are interested in beginning a career in nursing, consider a part time school-based Vocational Education and Training (VET) traineeship:
Certificate III in Community Services - Aged Care Work (Personal Care Assistant).

You will be trained and employed as a nursing assistant. If you want to continue your studies, you will gain credit towards TAFE NSW courses in nursing, health, aged care and community welfare services.

There are specialist part time school based traineeships in health and community services offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students:
Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Certificate III in Community Care Services.

Find out about a range of scholarships offered by the Australian Nurses' Federation and other community organisations.

You can also choose to become an Enrolled Nurse, which means that you can combine workplace training with study to further your career in the nursing profession.

The NSW Department of Health website has information about enrolled nursing that can help you make the right decisions. The Enrolled Nurse Professional Association of NSW website also offers extensive advice and resources.

If you decide to extend your training and become a Registered Nurse, you can get credit for TAFE NSW courses at university. Find out what it takes to become a Registered Nurse.

TAFE NSW also offers a range of courses in:
Health and Aged Services
Community Health
Health and Life Sciences.

Australian Nurses' Federation
PO Box 4239
Kingston ACT 2604

T (02) 6232 6533
F (02) 6232 6610
E anfcanberra@anf.org.au
www.anf.org.au

NSW Nurses' Association
(this is the NSW branch of the Australian Nurses' Federation)
43 Australia Street
Camperdown NSW 2050
T (02) 9550 3244
F (02) 9550 3667
E gensec@nswnurses.asn.au
www.nswnurses.asn.au/

The Enrolled Nurses Professional Association of NSW
www.enpansw.org/

NSW Department of Health - Nursing Careers website
www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/career.html