Credentialling
In addition to completing an RCNA accredited training course, each nurse must also become credentialled.
Credentialled nurses have access to PapScreen Victoria's professional development workshops and newsletters.
What is credentialling?
Credentialling is a process of recognising of an individual nurse's expertise. It also demonstrates to consumers and professional colleagues that a nurse is participating in a process that ensures standards of practice are met and maintained.
Why do nurse Pap test providers need to be credentialled?
Credentialling was introduced to provide a mechanism to ensure the quality of nurse-provided cervical screening services. It also provides nurses with a mechanism to demonstrate accountability and responsibility for their practice.
Obtaining a practice number from the Victorian Cytology Service
The credentialling process is run by PapScreen Victoria. When completed, nurses can apply for a Victorian Cytology Service (VCS) practice number, so their Pap tests can be processed by VCS.
Before a practice number is given, nurses must contact VCS to provide proof of their credentialled status.
Having a practice number is beneficial for nurses - it means they can practice independently under their own name. Results of the Pap tests they perform can be recorded against their name, and this record will provide the nurse with information about the quality of their screening. This record is an important part of the re-credentialling process.
Nurses using alternative laboratories can also credential.
How to apply
Credentialling is free for nurses and is subsidised by the Victorian Department of Health via PapScreen Victoria.
All applications and enquiries should be directed to:
Credentialling Secretariat
PapScreen Victoria
1 Rathdowne Street
Carlton Vic 3053
Phone: 1800 111 255
Fax: 03 9635 5360
credentialling@papscreen.org.au
Further information
Email the Credentialling Secretariat or call 1800 111 255 for further information about the credentialling process.
PapScreen Victoria's nurse consultant Sandy Anderson is also available to answer any further queries.
Forms
Forms in this section can be downloaded, edited in Word, saved and emailed to the Credentialling Secretariat at credentialling@papscreen.org.au.
Information forms
- National standards for nurse Pap test providers [89K Word]
- Policy and guidelines for nurse Pap test providers [68K Word]
- Information about credentialling and re-credentialling [60K Word]
Credentialling forms
- Credentialling application form [100K Word]
- Credentialling application form [149K PDF]
Please use when you have changed employers or want to include a new employer
- New employer form [115K Word]
- New employer form [229K PDF]
Please use when working in your current organisation but want to register another site
- Additional location form for current providers [109K Word]
- Additional location form for current providers [227K PDF]
Please use to deactivate your credentialling status
- Deactivation of credential status [52K Word]
- Deactivation of credential status [64K PDF]
Please use to reactivate your credentialled status if you have been inactive for a period of time.
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Case study: Sue
I work at the Well Women's Clinic at the Royal Women's Hospital in Parkville.
I trained to be a Pap test provider because I understood women wanted a female practitioner.
