Mandatory and statutory compliance screening for undergraduate nursing students in Australia: a review of compliance requirements.

Abstract

ObjectiveStatutory checking requirements for nursing students vary across Australian states and territories. In Australia, predictions of a shortfall of 123,000 full-time equivalent nurses will occur by 2030, emphasising the necessity for standardised policies that enhance processes and address inconsistencies to ensure a qualified and accessible nursing workforce. The objective of this study was to understand the requirements for nursing students' statutory checking across Australian jurisdictions.MethodsThe study investigated compliance requirements through in-depth pragmatic case study analysis utilising publicly available data from official government sources.ResultsThe study found that nursing students in Australia are mandated by the federal government to undergo statutory checks that are regulated by state and territory laws. All have similarities while varying in cost, processes, and timeframes. Costs varied widely between A$19.90 and A$254 over the course of a 3-year degree.ConclusionThis study highlights the inconsistencies regarding nursing students' statutory checking requirements in different jurisdictions in Australia. Various financial and logistical challenges negatively impact nursing students as they prepare for clinical placements. Further examination and potential reforms in healthcare policy to facilitate a smoother transition for nurses entering health care are required.