Birth of new boom for nurses | Sunshine Coast Health | Fitness and ...

Newborn Leo Ensor sleeps under the watchful eyes of Sunshine Coast Private Hospital midwives Jillian Eadie (left), Claire Rushworth and Deidrie Frost.

Brett Wortman

THERE certainly is strength in numbers in the new maternity ward at the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital, and it's a similar trend developing around the country.

New research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has highlighted the growing numbers of nurses and midwives in the country.

Last year there were 326,669 registrations, an increase of 6.8% since 2007.

It's certainly a popular and fulfilling career at the Buderim private hospital, with more than 55 casual, part-time and full-time positions in the new maternity area.

This week they celebrated one month since the new maternity ward opened. That one month saw them assist in 124 deliveries.

The hospital's clinical nurse manager Therese Cowley said it was no wonder midwifery was so popular.

"There are many different avenues and aspects to it that apply to many," she said.

"Depending on where your interests are, there are opportunities in the lead up to the birth, the birth itself and with postnatal care.

"It all comes together as such a holistic approach."

According to the study, of those employed in nursing, 36,074 were midwives, though only 15,523

reported working in midwifery as the principal area of their job.

According to the research, the average weekly hours worked by employed nurses and midwives decreased from 33.3 hours in 2007 to 32.8 hours last year.

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BY THE NUMBERS

Between 2007 and 2011, the number of nurses and midwives employed in nursing increased by 7.7% from 263,331 to 283,577.

Over this period, the supply of nurses and midwives decreased by 1.3% from 1095.1 to 1,081.1 full-time equivalent positions per 100,000 population.

The average age of the workforce increased from 43.7 to 44.5, and the proportion of nurses and midwives aged 50 or older increased from 33.0% to 38.6%.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Source: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/07/07/birth-of-new-boom-for-nurses-sunshine-coast/

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