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Clinical Nurse Consultant

Clinical Nurse Consultants enhance patient care and operations in specialised units, providing expert advice on clinical practices and standards.

How do I become a clinical nurse consultant

Get qualified to work as a clinical nurse consultant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

On average, most Clinical Nurse Consultants earn around $2,200 per week​. Increase your earning capacity by undertaking post-graduate qualifications and joining an organisation like the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners.

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There are no clear employment figures for Clinical Nurse Consultants currently working in Australia. They are employed by public and private hospitals, large medical practices, and community health organisations that provide patient care and nursing services.

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To become a Clinical Nurse Consultant you must be a Registered Nurse Practitioner (NP) with specialist qualifications. This requires:

  1. Completing a Bachelor of Nursing.
  2. Registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
  3. Logging more than 5,000 hours over a continuous 6-year period.
  4. Obtaining post-graduate nursing qualifications in advanced nursing, leadership, or clinical practice. The Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and Master of Advanced Nursing Practice are excellent choices.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Further reading

A Complete Guide to Becoming a Clinical Facilitator

21st October 2024

What can you do with a Diploma of Nursing?

2nd February 2021

Why is Nursing a Good Career Choice in Australia?

25th November 2022

Clinical Nurse Consultant careers

Clinical Nurse Consultants are highly experienced nurses who oversee clinical operations and patient care in specialist wards and health units (eg, emergency room, children’s ward, ICU). They are engaged by hospitals, community health organisations, and government health providers to evaluate existing clinical practices and advise on how to improve the overall functioning of the unit.

As a Clinical Nurse Consultant you could be reviewing the written operating procedures in the paediatrics unit, meeting with the nursing support staff who work in the operating theatre, working with the hospital’s executive team to update the nursing standards in the geriatrics wing, collaborating with nurse managers in the emergency room to refine the working roster, or attending an international nursing conference for Registered Nurse Practitioners (NPs).

To succeed as a Clinical Nurse Consultant you will need extensive operational experience as a clinical nurse, leadership and management skills, and the ability to prepare detailed written reports and recommendations.