Australian nurses and midwives are expected to compile a professional development portfolio during their annual registration process. This study aimed to ascertain the current understanding, practice and future continuing professional development (CPD) needs of nurses and midwives employed in a regional area of Queensland, Australia. Perceived barriers and incentives for CPD were also measured. 289 public and private hospital nurses and midwives responded to the survey. Results showed that participants understood the new requirements, valued ongoing learning, preferred education to occur within work hours, and considered their workplaces as accepting of change. Approximately two-thirds of participants believed CPD should be shared between them and their employers. Barriers to undertaking CPD included understaffing, and the concern that CPD would interfere with time outside work. Organisational support positively influenced attitudes to CPD. This study highlights the importance of supportive management in encouraging their workforce to embrace ongoing learning and change.

Aim To evaluate the impacts of introducing administrative support for nurse unit managers. Background Increased administrative load for nurse unit managers causes role stress and reduced opportunities for clinical leadership (state‐wide review, Queensland, Australia). In response, a health organisation implemented a clerical ‘Nurse Unit Manager Support Officer’ position. Methods Qualitative descriptive evaluation, convenience sample (37 nurse unit managers and NUM Support Officers) and focus groups (13) provided data that were thematically analysed. Results Six impacts were identified: (a) improved nurse unit manager well‐being; (b) more time to undertake clinical leadership; (c) greater efficiencies in finance, payroll and HR processes; (d) improved capacity for strategic leadership; (e) increased staff satisfaction and improved unit culture; and (f) improved succession planning. Conclusion Findings reveal significant gains and benefits from the introduction of administrative support for the nurse unit manager role for the nurse unit manager and the units they manage. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse unit manager role stress can negatively impact organisational climate, performance outcomes, staff satisfaction and retention. Health organisations need to implement strategies to reduce the administrative burden for nurse unit managers. The introduction of administrative support frees up time for nurse unit managers to engage in clinical leadership, positively impacting organisational climate, performance outcomes, and staff satisfaction and retention.

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