FAQ Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship 2015 Opens 18 July 2015 Closes 15 September 2015 Q1 A1 What is the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship? The Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship was launched in October 2014 to increase the opportunity for nurses to advance their careers and provide even more services to Territorians. There will be four (4) annual Ministerial Nurse Practitioner scholarships available to Nurse Practitioner Candidates for tuition fees, travel and accommodation up to the value of $6,500 each. The scholarship is based on the reimbursement model as is used for the Nursing and Midwifery Studies Assistance. Q2 A2 Who can apply for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarships? All approved Northern Territorian Nurse Practitioner Candidates who are an Australian Citizen or permanent resident and have resided in the NT for longer than 1 year and are employed within a NT health service operating in the NT. All approved Nurse Practitioner Candidates who are currently enrolled in the Masters of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) at Charles Darwin University or in exceptional circumstances an alternate accredited Master s level Nurse Practitioner course and have successfully completed at least two (2) units of study however preference will be given to those who have progressed further along in their studies. Applicants must provide: Proof of Australian Citizenship or permanent residency status Proof of payment Fee Assessment Notice (includes evidence of enrolment and fees paid) plus tax invoices and receipts relating directly to the application claim. Academic transcript demonstrating successful achievement of all units completed at time of application of an accredited Masters level Nurse Practitioner Program Study plan with brief outline explaining how the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship will assist with your clinical skill acquisition and role development Expenditure outline mapped to study plan for extended practice clinical skills and role development Proof of manager support for DoH applicants OR Proof of NT health service employment for non-doh applicants. Q3 A3 What does approved Nurse Practitioner Candidate mean? An approved Nurse Practitioner Candidate occupies a position that the health service determines is in alignment with the strategic plan for NP implementation in the NT, addressing priority health outcomes, role capabilities and service requirements. Q4 A4 What if my health service does not approve my Nurse Practitioner Candidature? Without the support of the health service you will not be eligible for the Scholarship.
Q5 A5 What is the Study Plan that is required to be attached to the application form for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship? The study plan is required to demonstrate a plan for extended practice clinical skills and role development. For some this may involve seeking a learning opportunity with an interstate Nurse Practitioner within your defined scope and context of practice. Q6 A6 What is the Expenditure Outline? The anticipated costs associated with the specific elements of your study plan. Q7 A7 Can I apply for Studies Assistance in Round 2 if I also am intending to apply for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship? Yes: All Nurse Practitioner Candidates who apply for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship are encouraged to apply for Studies Assistance for Round 2. If they are then unsuccessful in their scholarship application they will be eligible for Studies Assistance. Q8 A8 How will I know the outcome of my application for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship? If you are successful for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship you will be notified by letter. You will then receive the Scholarship for Semester 2 2015 and Semester 1 in 2016 (in two rounds of reimbursement). Q9 A9 If I am awarded the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship am I also eligible for Studies Assistance? No: You will only be eligible for one form of reimbursement that is; either the scholarship or the studies assistance, not both. Q10 A10 Can I apply for Studies Assistance in Round 1 2016 if I am awarded the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship in Round 2 2015? No: You will not be able to apply for Studies Assistance in Round 1 as you will be receiving the Scholarship Assistance at this time as this is a year scholarship. The scholarship covers those items that would normally have been covered by Studies assistance with the additional funds to support further clinical skill and role development. Q11 A11 Does it matter how long I have lived in the NT? Yes: In line with the grow your own workforce strategy you must have lived in the NT for a minimum of 1 year to be eligible to apply for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship.
Q12 A12 Can I apply for courses outside the NT? No: Studies must be completed at Charles Darwin University (CDU) except in exceptional circumstances. Q13 A13 What is funding granted for? The Ministerial Scholarship may assist (up to a maximum of $6,500) with: Course fees Airfares, transportation accommodation for compulsory residential course attendance/intensive practicum/clinical placement blocks Airfares, transportation accommodation for attendance at conference(s) pertinent to Nurse Practitioner clinical skill acquisition and professional role development. Airfares, transportation and accommodation for placements with interstate Nurse Practitioners for clinical skill acquisition and professional role development. Text / reference books required for the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) program or to further develop scope of practice. Q14 A14 What items are excluded from funding? Funding is NOT granted to cover; Loss of income such as salary / wages Computer hardware and software Accommodation for family members NT Working with Children Clearance fees First Aid courses Internet access Child care Fuel Q15 A15 How much financial assistance do I apply for? You may only apply for reimbursement of the expenditure directly related to your application for Semester 2 2015 and Semester 1 2016. A budget template is included in the application form and you are expected to itemise costs and attach proof of payment to the application form for fixed costs that you have already paid for semester 2. You will then be required to repeat this for semester. You are also required to provide separate documentation outlining the expenditure that you anticipate making over the duration of the scholarship (see Q/A 2) Q16 A16 Am I expected to contribute towards the cost of my study? It is an expectation of the DoH that nurses and midwives will also contribute to the costs of their professional development endeavours. Many staff are eligible for an annual professional development allowance. Staff eligible for this allowance will be expected to note this under the personal contribution section of the budget template.
Q17 A17 Am I eligible if I also receive any other grant, scholarship or bursary? If you are receiving some form of assistance from the DoH or other sources, you must declare so in your application. Other assistance may include but is not limited to Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) By-Law 41. Receipt of other assistance will be taken into account when evaluating your application You may not be eligible for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship if you are receiving scholarships from other areas such as the Australian College of Nursing however this will be taken under consideration by the panel and you may be requested to provide additional information. Q18 A18 What do I have to do to apply for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship? To be considered you need to: Complete the Application Form ensuring the declaration is signed to confirm NT residency AND ensure the Applicant Support form section A or B is completed and signed. Attach proof of citizenship or permanent residency status such as birth certificate or passport Attach proof of payments including; fee assessment notice/tax invoices/receipts all relating directly to the application. Attach a copy of your transcript demonstrating successful achievement of all units completed at time of application of an accredited Masters level Nurse Practitioner Program Attach a study plan with a brief outline explaining how the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship a brief outline explaining how the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner will assist with your clinical skill acquisition and role development. Attach an expenditure outline mapped to study plan for extended practice clinical skills and role development. Q19 A19 How will my application be assessed? An Assessment Panel will review applications on the merit of the material provided. Priority will be given to those who have successfully progressed further along in their studies and have a well-developed study plan and outline of how the scholarship will assist with their clinical skill acquisition and/or professional role development The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer will consider the Assessment Panel s recommendations for Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarships and make the final decision regarding approval. Q20 A20 How will I find out about the result of my application for Studies Assistance? When the assessment process is finalised applicants will be advised via email of the outcome of their respective application. Executive Directors of Nursing, Nursing Directors or Branch Heads, as appropriate will also be advised of the outcome of the application.
Q21 A21 What if I don t agree with the Assessment Panel s decision? If you don t agree with the result of your application, you must lodge a Letter of Appeal with the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, DoH, PO Box 40596, Casuarina NT 0811 within 14 days of receipt of the email advising you of the application outcome. The Letter of Appeal should outline the nature and basis of the appeal. A copy of any other documentary evidence beyond the original application should accompany the letter. The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer will communicate the outcome of the appeal to the applicant in writing. Q22 A22 How often can I apply? You can apply for the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarships each year over the duration of your course. Preference will be given to those who have not received the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship in the past and have progressed through their studies. Q23 A23 Can I apply again if I am unsuccessful? This depends on the reason your application was unsuccessful. If you did not meet the eligibility criteria, you should not reapply in 2016 unless you meet the criteria then. However, if you have not received the grant because of the highly competitive nature of funding you can lodge a new application next year providing that it complies with the requirements of the scholarship scheme. Q24 A24 How will I receive my Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship? Successful applicants: Will receive email advice in respect to their 2015 Application. Payment is only available through direct credit to your nominated bank account (via your AGS number). If you are a non-doh employee a vendor application will need to be completed and returned before the due date to facilitate payment of the grant. Will be able to claim reimbursements in Semester 2 (2015) and Semester 1 (2016) in alignment with the Studies Assistance Grant Round 2 and Round 1. Will receive advice of payment being processed via email. Please be advised that payment may take up to 30 days. Applicants must advise the Nursing Studies Assistance Administration Assistant in writing of any changes to their circumstances, address and/or contact details. Q25 How much will I receive if I am successful? A25 Allocation of funds following receipt of applications and receipts will be up to $6,500 per successful scholarship applicant for Semester 2 2015/ Semester 1 2016.
Q26 A26 Is the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship considered part of my income? Yes: Applicants are advised that for the purposes of determining eligibility for Centrelink Benefits and tax liability, scholarships are deemed as income and should be declared in your tax return. Please consult with your accountant for tax advice. Q27 A27 What happens if I do not accept the Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship? If you do not accept the scholarship offered please notify the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office immediately via email stating the reasons for not accepting the scholarship, as it may provide the opportunity to reallocate funding. Q28 A28 Who can I contact if I have a query about my Ministerial Nurse Practitioner Scholarship? Director of Education Research Nursing and Midwifery Nursing and Midwifery Office Phone: 892 27161 Email: kerry.sims@nt.gov.au. and cc. NursingStudies.Assistance@nt.gov.au