Kim Semple-Ashlin is among more than a hundred former registered and enrolled nurses who have taken advantage of the only distance-learning program that could help ease the national health industry crisis. The re-entry program, administered nationally and internationally by Central Queensland University (with TAFE and the Queensland Nursing Council), prepares nurses to quickly update their credentials after an extended absence to return to the professional workforce.

Out of the nursing for more than ten years, Ms Semple-Ashlin, returned to the profession after the birth of her fourth child. "I feel more sense of achievement now then when I graduated at 21. I appreciate the career opportunities now more than I did then," she explained.

Ms Semple-Ashlin, currently an RN at an aged-care facility, explained she had not studied since she completed hospital training. "Going to uni these last few months had me a bit consumed, but I received my credentials with high distinction at the end," she said.

"Nurses who want to come back, should not underestimate their ability to do what they do well," claimed Jenny Anastasi, who coordinates the Competence Assessment Service program at CQU. "Even if they've been out of that working environment for a while." The one-of-a-kind course is very flexible. Full or part time enrolments are accepted any time. The program, consisting of three theory modules and one clinical assessment, can be studied concurrently and completed in as little as one semester. Alternatively, qualified applicants who pass assessment exams are not required to enrol in theory modules. Mandatory clinical placements are arranged in existing health care facilities, in or near the towns where the student lives. "What nurses need to know," Ms Anastasi continued, "is that while the system may have changed, the patients haven't. They're still the same and they need good quality nursing care." The Federal Senate Inquiry Into Nursing recently released a report on the state of the system and critical nursing shortages that affect the entire country. It sighted poor educational opportunities in rural and remote areas and recommended further expansion of refresher and return-to-nursing programs. A distance-based program, such as this unique one, is vital for attracting and retaining nurses in those locations. The only other program in the state requires students to attend a metropolitan facility, like Griffith University in Brisbane.

The Inquiry also singled out aged-care nursing as the sector in greatest crisis, noting qualified nurses have left in huge numbers.

"We need them back," said Michael Isaac, CEO of Aged Care Queensland. "They are quite literally are the world for many patients. They have the experience to responsibly enhance a patient's total well-being." Isaac believes participants in the program, like Kim Semple-Ashlin, may alleviate the burdens of a system stretched to its limits. "Many aged-care facilities are prepared to customise nurses' schedules to account for obligations outside of work," Mr Isaac said.

Generous grants are available to help cover the cost of the program, which ranges from about $400 to $3200, depending on the number of modules undertaken. Because of reciprocal agreements among the states, any former nurse in the country can apply to this program and become eligible to work in Queensland. Persons who want his/her registration restored must first contact the Queensland Nursing Council. Go to www.qnc.qld.gov.au or call a Registrations Officer on (07) 3223 5100.

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