Mandatory and statutory compliance screening for undergaduate nursing students in Australia : A review of compliance requirements

Journal article

Jacob, Alycia, Ince, Paula, Ross, Carolyn, Hua, Susan, Swannie, Bill, Demetrios, Lara and Falconer, Darren. (2025). Mandatory and statutory compliance screening for undergaduate nursing students in Australia : A review of compliance requirements. Australian Health Review. 49(2), p. Article AH24235. https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24235
AuthorsJacob, Alycia, Ince, Paula, Ross, Carolyn, Hua, Susan, Swannie, Bill, Demetrios, Lara and Falconer, Darren
Abstract

Objective
Statutory 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.

Methods
The study investigated compliance requirements through in-depth pragmatic case study analysis utilising publicly available data from official government sources.

Results
The 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.

Conclusion
This 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.

Keywordsfinancial hardship; nursing; nursing workforce; professional placement; statutory compliance; students; undergraduate; work integrated learning
Year2025
JournalAustralian Health Review
Journal citation49 (2), p. Article AH24235
PublisherCSIRO Publishing
ISSN0156-5788
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24235
PubMed ID39923752
Scopus EID2-s2.0-105002769886
Page range1-6
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online10 Feb 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted19 Jan 2025
Deposited04 Jun 2025
Additional information

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of AHHA.

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