Primary healthcare in Central Australia continues to grow and build consistency with the latest cohort of nurses graduating from the Early Career Nurse Program.
Since 2020, Northern Territory PHN has funded Central Australian Aboriginal Congress to support the operation of the two-year program. The program offers participants a structured career pathway into primary healthcare, experience delivering culturally safe care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities and the opportunity to undertake an acute care placement at Alice Springs Hospital.
Recent graduate Jessica Ford shared her experience.
“During the program, I was part of a team of health professionals who all supported and mentored me to ensure my experience and knowledge base was enhanced every step of the way,” Jessica said.
“My ambition is to stay in Aboriginal primary healthcare and complete post-graduate studies in diabetes education and management.”
Participants join the program from across Australia and the Northern Territory and gain a considerable understanding of Aboriginal culture and how to deliver culturally safe healthcare throughout the program’s duration.
There are currently 12 nurses who have completed the program, eight of which are now employed in primary healthcare roles across the NT, with four of them employed at Congress.
Congress Senior Clinical Nurse Educator Joeleen Brown said she has loved watching young nurses go through the program.
“It has been great watching them graduate and get specialised roles in primary healthcare. It’s very special to watch their journey.”
The Early Career Nurse Program is part of Northern Territory PHN’s aim to build and strengthen the primary health workforce in the NT, and provide more accessible healthcare for all Territorians.
