Nurses focusing on their financial health

APNA’s 'Money in May’ campaign to help nurses do more, save more and earn more  

Media release, 10 May 2023

NURSES are gathering around the country tomorrow night for professional development with a difference - to learn more about money and how to navigate the financial side of being a nurse.  

These gatherings, being held in most states and territories across Australia, are part of APNA’s ‘Money in May’ campaign. ‘Money in May’ is part of APNA’s member-only month of education aiming to inform nurses more about financial matters.  

Throughout May, the campaign will cover three key themes: ‘do more, save more and earn more’:  

• Face to face: With a series of ‘NurseTalk’ live events around the country 
• Pay tools: Promote APNA’s revamped primary health care nurse pay comparison tools 
• Podcast: Publish a special Nursing Australia podcast on financial literacy for health professionals 
• Negotiation Guide: Promote APNA’s revamped Negotiation Guide for Primary Health Care Nurses 

The 'Money in May’ initiative is inviting nurses to a series of APNA ‘NurseTalk’ events to learn how best to handle challenging negotiations about their careers, including asking for more role responsibilities, introducing new ideas, making budget requests, and requesting a pay rise. 

The next NurseTalk event is being held tomorrow night (Thursday 11 May), with live dinner events in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Geelong and includes remote viewing events in other cities.  

APNA has also relaunched and expanded its member-only ‘primary health care (PHC) nurse pay tools’, which allow members to compare their pay to that of other PHC nurses in the same categories. The tool allows the user to search the database and compare hourly pay rates with nurses by registration status, workplace setting, and state of residence. The pay tool complements APNA’s member-only Negotiation Guide, which helps members project assertiveness and confidence to earn their true value. 

APNA’s Nursing Australia podcast has also published a ‘Money in May’ special edition, focusing on the world of personal finance and exploring the various ways health professionals can improve their financial literacy, including navigating home buying and sole trading.    

APNA President Karen Booth said that PHC nurses are often so focused on giving their current patient the best levels of care they put off financial decisions. 

“Nurses don’t get into the profession for the money, and finance isn’t generally taught in the nursing curriculum,” Ms Booth said. “However, money is a big part of what we do throughout our career, in our professional and personal lives.” 

“Nurses who understand the opportunities and challenges of finance and funding mechanisms and keep abreast of changes can be an even greater asset for their patients and the business they work for,” Ms Booth said. “For their personal lives, they make better financial decisions, earn more and retire with more superannuation.” 

For more information about APNA’s ‘Money in May’ campaign, and to find upcoming events in your area, click here: https://www.apna.asn.au/education/money-in-may 

APNA’s Nursetalk events: https://www.apna.asn.au/events 

APNA’s PHC Nurse negotiation Guide: https://www.apna.asn.au/nursing-tools/negotiation-guide-for-primary-health-care-nurses 

APNA’s Nursing Australia Podcast: https://www.apna.asn.au/education/nursing-australia-podcast