On this page: About | What we did | What we heard | Resource content | Get involved
One career, endless possibilities
The Nursing Career Pathways project is a national initiative by the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), co-created with nurses across Australia to make career pathways clear, visible, and achievable. Grounded in lived experience, backed by evidence, and informed by experts, Nursing Career Pathways is designed to help every nurse explore what’s possible — and feel supported to get there.
Why Nursing Career Pathways was created
Australia’s nursing workforce is the largest and most trusted health profession, yet it is under increasing strain. Demand is rising faster than nursing workforce growth, early-career attrition is high, and many nurses describe feeling stretched, undervalued, and unsure how to take their next career step.
Nurses told us the same message across states, settings, and stages:
There are so many opportunities in nursing that it can become overwhelming. How do I get there and how do I navigate each path?
– Focus Group Participant
The Nursing Pathways Project responds directly to what nurses told us they need so they can stay, grow, and thrive in the profession they love.
The Nursing Pathways Report, featuring insights from nearly 800 nurses, is now available.
About Nursing Career Pathways
Free practical resource
Nursing Career Pathways is a practical, free, co-designed resource bringing career pathways to life, helping nurses to:
- see the breadth of opportunities for the profession throughout the health system
- understand the steps to support career progression
- identify skills, passions, and strengths
- navigate uncertainty with confidence
- plan, pivot, or grow at any career stage
- access wellbeing, mentoring, and reflective tools
Built with nurses, for nurses
The pathways have been built by nurses, with nurses, for nurses, informed by evidence, and shaped by the voices of the profession, drawing on:
- insights from focus groups, forums, surveys and interviews
- expert conversations across the profession
- lived experience in every context of practice
- ACN’s national influence and professional expertise
What we did
Nursing Pathways is one of the most extensive engagement projects undertaken at ACN. We started with a review of the evidence and found career support increases confidence, strengthens identity, and improves retention.
Nursing insights gathered
We listened to almost 800 nurses who shared their insights through:
Nursing participation
Nurses participated from:
Industry collaboration
We also consulted with:
Nursing Pathways Findings and Recommendations Report
The Nursing Pathways Report, featuring insights from nearly 800 nurses, is now available. Fill out the form below to access the report.
What we heard
Across all roles, regions and stages, clear recurring themes became apparent:
An unwavering passion for nursing
Nurses told us they want to stay in the profession. They want to grow, contribute, lead, and make a difference.
“I’m so proud of being a nurse I wouldn’t change it for the world. We make a real difference.”
– Focus Group Participant
Unclear, inconsistent career pathways
Many nurses described career progression as guesswork dependent on timing, relationships, or luck, rather than clear criteria or visible pathways.
“Opportunity everywhere in nursing, but the path isn’t always clear.”
– Focus Group Participant
Under-used scope of practice
When nurses cannot work to their full capability, their professional identity and confidence erode, progression stalls and retention becomes an issue.
Nurses want inspiration and visibility
Nurses want to see real examples of what is possible across the profession, not just linear pathways.
What’s inside Nursing Career Pathways
Nursing Career Pathways is designed to help nurses explore opportunities across the profession and identify the options most relevant to their interests, goals and career stage. The resource brings together:
Get involved
Register your interest in Nursing Career Pathways to receive launch updates, and follow ACN to stay connected. Join us as we build something for the whole profession. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone 1800 061 660 or email nursingpathways@acn.edu.au.