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Are you in the final three months of your diploma course?
ANMF encourages you to begin the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registration process with AHPRA so completion of your registration doesn’t delay your ability to commence work as an Enrolled Nurse.
By starting earlier, the NMBA aims to process your application as soon you’re advised of your successful academic results. All applications are processed by date submitted.
You can upload any new or additional information as it becomes available. For example, when you receive your final academic transcript, or employment contracts outlining the commencement dates for your graduate program.
If you have a clinical placement to finish, your registration won’t start until all course requirements are completed and documentation has been sent to AHPRA by your education provider. AHPRA has advised all education providers to inform them of your course completion as soon as documentation is finalised.
You’ll be required to meet all registration standards and follow AHPRAs registration process to be able to work as a nurse. NMBA has fact sheets on each registration standard. You will need to renew your AHPRA registration by 31 May each year.
Application tips
Check your preparation
It’s important you read and make sure you understand AHPRA’s instructions, as this will lead to a smooth and timely application process. AHPRA have created an instructional video on their graduate application page.
Ensure you certify documents correctly
You’ll need to demonstrate your proof of identity. Ensure you carefully follow AHPRA’s specific instructions for certifying documents, as AHPRA reports certification errors are the most common cause for delayed registration. Familiarise yourself with what is and isn’t accepted as any errors in certification will delay your application. Take time to review your submission.
Health conditions and impairment declaration
You have a legal obligation to declare to AHPRA if you have a health condition/impairment that might adversely affect your ability to practice. Well-managed health conditions and impairments that do not adversely affect your practice do not need to be disclosed, such as glasses for vision impairment or diabetes. If you are unsure, contact Member Assistance.
Registration standards
Criminal history
AHPRA’s criminal history check is thorough. If you have criminal history to declare, ensure you provide a written statement with details, what the outcome was, and any supporting documentation with your application. There is no age limit for criminal history checks, and they are now international. AHPRA will review declared criminal history on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility for registration. If you are unsure of the obligation to declare criminal history, contact Member Assistance.
English language skills
There are three pathways for demonstrating your English language skills:
- Primary – English is your primary language and you completed the required amount of your schooling taught and assessed in English in a recognised country.
- Extended – you’ve undertaken the required amount and type of continuous full-time study, taught and assessed in English in a recognised country. Proof will be required. Failed subjects, deferring and part-time study may cause are some examples of what may cause ineligibility for this pathway.
- English language test – where English is not your primary language and you don’t meet the extended pathway criteria. If you need to take the English test, ensure you complete it before applying. The test needs to occur within two years of applying as a graduate.
You will need to review the English language pathway criterion to see which applies to you. You only need to demonstrate your English language skills the first time you apply for registration.
Professional indemnity insurance
As an enrolled nurse, you will be required by law to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) for your practice and to meet this AHPRA registration standard.
All* financial ANMF (Vic Branch) working members receive comprehensive PII, including $10 million protection for a negligent act and coverage for legal expenses.
PII is important for all health professionals as any practising nurse, midwife or carer could:
- be wrongfully accused of unprofessional conduct in administration and clinical roles
- mistakenly give the wrong drug to a patient
- fail to accurately carry out all instructions for care in a busy ward
- be involved in a court case, even if only indirectly, or witness an incident
- make a mistake due to workload stress, insufficient information or for any other reason.
*Some exclusions apply, download our PII brochure for more details.
Continuing Professional Development
As an enrolled nurse you’ll need to complete 20 hrs of continuing professional development (CPD) each year to maintain your registration.
The aim of CPD is to keep your skills up to date and continue to develop your clinical practice. AHPRA has a specific format for documenting CPD. Working ANMF members can opt in to receive a CPD portfolio that sets this format. Whilst you do not have to submit evidence of CPD each year with renewal of your registration, you need to maintain your records in case you are randomly selected to be audited for your compliance with each NMBA registration standard.
Ensuring you get your minimum 20 hours can easily be achieved at no additional cost to you via the Branch’s education portal which offers over 200 online CPD modules, a great member benefit.
Recency of practice
As an enrolled nurse, you will need to meet the recency of practice standard by completing 450 hrs of practice in a five-year period.
