Nursing in rural and regional areas is a unique and rewarding experience. Teams are smaller and nurses use their full range of skills to care for patients with diverse needs. From a social perspective, lifestyles are generally more relaxed, commuting time is shorter and there's more time to enjoy the natural environments. Community relationships are important and nurses become integral community members. Visit Imagine Rural to learn more about what NSW Health staff love about living and working rurally.
NSW Health supports rural and regional nurses with education and professional development opportunities – so equip and enrich your nursing career by joining the rural nursing workforce.
RNPiP is a collection of career supports and opportunities developed specifically for rural and regional nurses. Whether you're new to rural nursing or have worked in a rural setting before, you'll find opportunities to refresh, learn and grow.
Short, sharp and accessible, RNPiP e-learning is tailored to the unique context of rural nursing. There are six modules suitable for nurses of all levels to review and reinforce the core clinical assessment skills. Each module takes around 25 minutes and contributes to Continuing Professional Development hours. Topics include:
To access RNPiP e-learning modules:
Extend your practice and enhance your career with a fully funded scholarship to undertake a graduate certificate in rural nursing or aged care nursing. For more information, contact your local health district's nursing workforce team. Courses commence in 2023.
Alternatively, you can apply for a scholarship to support your postgraduate studies from graduate certificate to master's level. Scholarships of up to $8,000 are offered by the Nursing and Midwifery Office to help with educational expenses. For more information, visit Postgraduate scholarships.
Rural Nursing Pathways in Practice