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2,000+ nurses fast-tracked under aged care program

Picture of Ritchelle Drilon

Ritchelle Drilon

2,000+ nurses fast-tracked under aged care program

Picture of Ritchelle Drilon

Ritchelle Drilon

More than 2,000 registered and enrolled nurses will undergo specialised training for aged care roles as the sector scrambles to meet mandatory 24/7 nurse coverage requirements that took effect in 2023.

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has been selected as one of five providers to deliver the Federal Government’s Aged Care Transition to Practice (ACTTP) Program, designed to rapidly upskill nurses for the ageing population.

The program responds directly to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendation requiring residential aged care facilities to have registered nurses on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week—a mandate that came into effect 1 July 2023.

The comprehensive 10-month program targets nurses across regional, rural and remote locations where staffing challenges are most acute, providing 38 hours of specialised online modules and eight live sessions over the training period.

ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz said the investment represents a critical workforce development initiative.

“ACN is pleased to be playing a role supporting the Government to ensure every older Australian receives the highest standard of care, regardless of where they live,” Professor Zeitz said.

“It is our responsibility to provide our parents and grandparents in aged care with access to the best possible health care where they live – and nurses are best placed and qualified to provide that care.”

The program addresses three distinct nursing categories: newly graduated nurses with under two years’ experience, transitioning registered nurses entering aged care for the first time, and Aged Care Nurse Practitioners.

Professor Zeitz emphasised the program’s proven effectiveness in developing specialised aged care capabilities.

“Our Aged Care Transition to Practice Program is already demonstrating its value in developing confident, skilled nurses who are passionate about aged care,” she said.

“ACN is leading the Community of Practice of the five providers of this critical program, underscoring its standing as one of the foremost providers of post-graduate nursing education.”

The initiative includes access to specialised aged-care nurse educators, real-life case scenarios for practice analysis, mentorship opportunities, and 83 continuing professional development hours upon completion.

The program aligns with Aged Care Quality Standards and Quality Indicators, ensuring trained nurses meet regulatory requirements for the reformed sector.

The government provides a 24/7 registered nurse supplement to help facilities meet the mandatory coverage requirement, but workforce availability remains a significant challenge across the sector.

ACN continues accepting monthly applications for the program, with aged care providers able to contact the organisation directly to discuss training opportunities for their nursing staff.

The training program represents part of broader government efforts to strengthen aged care workforce capacity following the Royal Commission’s findings about quality and safety concerns in the sector.

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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