Closing the gap in nursing education: Comparing nursing registration systems in Australia and China

Aim

To provide a better understanding of how the nursing registration process in China compares to that of Australia and to identify common features and potential barriers that may affect or facilitate the development of China's ever-demanding need for healthcare and nursing education.

Background

Chinese nursing graduates are increasingly being used to augment the shortage of nurses in other countries, including Australia. However, China is desperately in need of strategies to cope with its current challenges in healthcare and nursing education. There is little discussion concerning the differences in nursing registration systems between countries, such as China and Australia. It is unknown how the differences and potential similarities of nursing registration systems in these two countries contribute to or impede nurses' training in China; or the potential for these Australia trained Chinese nursing returnees to cope with the challenges China is facing.

Evaluation

Using Bereday's four steps comparison method, this paper will describe, explain, compare, and contrast the nursing registration systems of Australia and China.

Key issues

Differences were found in the qualification requirements for: (1) initial registration, (2) levels of registration, (3) continuing professional development, (4) requirements of the registration renewal process, and (5) whether each country has a national nursing registration system. These factors may affect nursing education and healthcare development in China.

Conclusions

Although differences in the nursing registration process between Australia and China were identified, the insights gained from this study support the development of strategies to help with China's ever-demanding need for nursing education and healthcare development, thereby alleviating its nursing shortage.

Implications for nursing management

The implications of globalization of nursing education, research, and clinical practice, coupled with the nursing shortage on a global scale, have demanded increasing attention on the development of a high standard for nursing education that supports a safe and effective nursing workforce. This paper argues that there is value in nursing authorities, educators, and legislators working together in a network of collaborative engagement to support nursing education, thereby alleviating the nursing shortage on a global scale.