Whether you are a newly registered nurse or an experienced enrolled nurse, staying informed and investing in your professional development is essential. Australia has a wealth of resources available to support nurses at every stage of their career — from registration and standards to continuing education, mental health support, and professional networking.
Here is a curated guide to the most valuable resources for RNs and EENs working in the Australian healthcare sector.
AHPRA and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the national organisation responsible for the registration and regulation of health practitioners, including nurses and midwives. Every RN and EEN must be registered with AHPRA to practice in Australia.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), which operates under AHPRA, sets the professional standards, codes of conduct, and registration requirements that all nurses must meet. Key resources from the NMBA include:
- Registered Nurse Standards for Practice — the seven standards that define what it means to practice as an RN in Australia
- Enrolled Nurse Standards for Practice — the equivalent standards for ENs
- Code of Conduct for Nurses — the ethical and professional standards all nurses must uphold
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Registration Standard — the requirements for maintaining your registration through ongoing learning
Familiarising yourself with these documents is not just a registration requirement — it provides a clear framework for your practice and professional growth.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
To maintain your AHPRA registration, you must complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD per year. CPD can include formal education, online courses, in-service training, self-directed learning, and reflective practice.
Popular CPD providers and platforms include:
- Ausmed — one of Australia's largest online CPD platforms for nurses, offering hundreds of free and paid courses across clinical, leadership, and regulatory topics
- Australian College of Nursing (ACN) — offers professional development programs, graduate certificates, and policy resources for nurses at all levels
- ANMF (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation) — provides CPD resources, workplace guides, and professional support as the primary union and professional body for nurses in Australia
- Nurse & Midwife Support — Australia's free, confidential support service for nurses and midwives experiencing personal or professional difficulties
Keep a record of your CPD activities using a portfolio or learning log. AHPRA may audit your CPD compliance at any time during your registration period.
Professional Associations and Unions
Joining a professional association or union provides access to advocacy, resources, and a community of peers. The key organisations are:
- ANMF — the largest professional and industrial organisation for nurses and midwives in Australia, representing over 310,000 members. State branches (such as ANMF Victoria) provide local support, workplace advice, and industrial representation.
- ACN — focused on professional development and leadership, the Australian College of Nursing offers membership, policy engagement, and networking opportunities.
- CRANAplus — particularly relevant for nurses working in remote and rural areas, CRANAplus provides resources, support, and networking for bush nursing professionals.
Online Learning Platforms
Beyond formal CPD, a number of online platforms offer valuable learning opportunities for nurses:
- OpenLearning and Coursera — offer university-level courses in health, leadership, and research methods that can complement your nursing qualifications
- Agency-specific training — at Barton Care, our Learn2Care program provides targeted training modules covering infection control, fire safety, SIRS, food safety, and more. This training counts toward your CPD hours.
- Webinars and podcasts — many organisations, including ANMF, ACN, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, host free webinars on current topics in nursing and aged care
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Nursing is rewarding but demanding work. Burnout, compassion fatigue, and workplace stress are real issues that affect nurses across all settings. Key support resources include:
- Nurse & Midwife Support — a 24/7 national support service providing free, confidential counselling and referral for nurses and midwives. Call 1800 667 877.
- Beyond Blue — provides information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Their healthcare worker-specific resources are particularly relevant.
- Your employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — most employers and agencies offer free confidential counselling through an EAP provider.
Looking after your own wellbeing is not optional — it is essential for sustainable practice and quality care.
Staying Current
The healthcare landscape in Australia is constantly evolving. Regulatory changes, new clinical guidelines, and sector reforms all affect how you practice. Make a habit of:
- Subscribing to updates from AHPRA and the NMBA
- Following your professional association's news and publications
- Attending at least one conference or major professional development event per year
- Engaging with peers — whether through formal networks, online forums, or your workplace team
The best nurses are lifelong learners. The resources are available — the key is making time to use them.
Barton Care supports our nurses with ongoing training, CPD opportunities, and a dedicated team that understands the demands of the profession. Explore nursing opportunities with Barton Care.
