About the Nurses Board of Victoria
Our History
The Nurses Board of Victoria is the descendant of the similarly named Nurses Board that was established by an Act of Parliament in December 1923. The first Board's functions involved endorsing State registration, publication of the register of nurses, establishing course content in training schools, conducting examinations and considering the issues of reciprocity of registration in Australia and overseas.
In 1958, the Victorian Nursing Council succeeded the Board. The Council, in addition to taking over the previous activities, developed a general nursing curriculum that reflected the needs of the day. As well as increasing the level of cooperation between nurse regulatory authorities in Australia and overseas, the Council became responsible for regulation of nursing agencies.
In July 1994 the Nurses Board of Victoria was established and assumed most of the responsibilities of the Victorian Nursing Council. For the first time, the legislation clearly set out the primary purpose of the Board as being protection of the Victorian public.
What we do
In regulating the profession, we register nurses and require an annual renewal of their status. Only nurses registered by us are entitled to use the term 'registered nurse' in this state. To ensure the high standard in the profession, we accredit nursing programs in universities and VET institutions, approve programs by other educational providers and set the standards and guidelines for nursing practice. We also have a complaints process, which examines the professional conduct or health of a registered nurse. We provide advice to the Minister for Health on all matters relating to our function.
How we do it
We have a 12 member Board, as well as three operational programs which run the various aspects of our function. The Board also establishes advisory committees to obtain expert advice on nursing and other matters. While we respond to all ministerial requests, we also contribute to policy making by sitting on various committees, and proactively bringing to attention matters we regard as being essential to the well-being of the profession, and to the greater community.
Our Values
The Board is guided by a set of values and principles that ensure we can carry out our mission to serve and protect the community. Fundamental to our business is the commitment to self-regulation of the nursing profession, and a continued regard for profession integrity. Our procedures are fair and transparent which helps us to ensure our accountability and responsibility to both the nursing and general community in which we operate. The Board believes in taking an innovative and leadership role in issues regarding the community's continued access to best health care available. We proactively communicate our existence and our responsibilities, encouraging the community's sense of security as regards the nursing profession. We actively engage in life-long learning projects in the belief that growth in these areas is essential to continuing high and relevant standards of protection and care.
Board Members
Current Board members are:
| Member |
Role |
Appointed Until |
| Ms Melodie Heland |
President pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 123(1). |
30 Dec 2008 |
| Professor Karen Francis |
Is a registered division 1 nurse pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(a). |
30 Dec 2008 |
| Ms Debra Cerasa |
Is a registered division 1 nurse pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(a). |
31 Dec 2009 |
| Mr Alexander Cole |
Is a member who is not a nurse pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(c). |
30 Dec 2008 |
| Ms Lynette Geri |
Is a registered division 2 nurse with experience in Aged Care pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(a). |
30 Dec 2008 |
| Ms Clare Harvey |
Is an academic member pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(a). |
30 Dec 2009 |
| Ms Jennifer Jensz |
Is a registered division 2 nurse pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(a). |
30 Dec 2008 |
| Mr Greg Miller |
Is a registered division 3 nurse pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(a). |
30 Dec 2008 |
| Mr John Molnar |
Is a Lawyer member pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(b). |
30 Dec 2009 |
| Dr Christine Murphy |
Is a non practitioner member pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(c). |
31 Dec 2009 |
| Ms Katrina Swire |
Is a grade 2 clinical nurse specialist pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 120(2)(a). |
30 Dec 2009 |
| Ms Nicola Walker |
Deputy President pursuant to Health Professions Registration Act 2005 section 123(1). |
30 Dec 2009 |