Imagine a workforce where one in five professionals are planning to walk away, where 25% of workers are never fully utilising hard-earned skills and where a career path is perceived as less prestigious than its hospital counterpart. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario—it’s the current reality of aged care nursing in Australia.
Behind aged care facilities lies a critical human story: highly trained nurses constrained by systemic limitations, their professional aspirations quietly suffocating under the weight of regulatory burdens, limited scope and diminished professional recognition. These are not just statistics, but the lived experiences of approximately 45,000 nurses in aged care who have dedicated their careers to caring for our most vulnerable citizens.
This is what the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) data has gathered about aged care nurses’ wants and expectations. APNA Chief Executive Officer Ken Griffin says, “We know they want to be able to do more preventative work with their clients and residents because they want to use their skills proactively.”
Attendees of the upcoming 6th Annual Aged Care Week will have the opportunity to hear Ken share his insights on the aged care nursing workforce based on evidence data collection.
How does a career in aged care nursing compare to other nursing specialties and what misconceptions deter new graduates?
“We know that aged care nursing in particular is seen as ‘lesser’ than a hospital career – this isn’t just a nursing issue, it also happens in other professions too.”
“We also know that the reputation of the sector, particularly since the Royal Commission, has left aged care as a less-desirable career option for students. Most students don’t realise just how broad their scope of practice can be and the benefit the work can bring to residents/clients and their families.”
Are academic pathways adequately preparing nurses for aged care and what improvements could strengthen this pipeline?
“A number of studies have shown that the current nursing curriculum is not preparing nurses for careers in primary health care, including aged care.”
“This needs to change and this is recognised in many reports including the draft National Nursing Strategy and the Educating the Nurse of the Future Report.
But we also know that we can change that. APNA’s aged care student nurse placement program surveys students at the beginning and the end of their placement and we know that one quality placement can fundamentally change a student’s view of aged care and, for 1 in 5 of them, shift them to actively considering a career in aged care.”
Which workplace and cultural elements most influence aged care nurse satisfaction and retention?
“Aged care nurses want to know that they are supported to make a difference. Aged care nursing is a very intimate form of care and we know they often feel constrained in the care that they can deliver. Aged care is busy, there is fatigue from significant, ongoing regulation change. This has lowered their career satisfaction dramatically.”
Is the current remuneration for aged care nurses competitive and what changes might ensure it remains so?
“Aged care has seen the most progress on remuneration compared to other clinical settings. The pay increases funded by government and fought for by the ANMF, have been flowing through.
“However, nurses in aged care are still paid less than their hospital peers and this needs to change if we’re going to encourage more nurses into aged care as the sector grows.”
“Importantly, nurses in aged care shouldn’t have to wait so long for their next increase in pay. We know cost of living is adding to their pressures outside of work.”
What do you hope participants will learn from your session at Aged Care Week?
“While there are challenges for aged care providers in attracting and retaining great nurses, there are also many opportunities and APNA’s workforce survey data provides strong insights for those working in the sector.”
Ken Griffin will explore these themes in depth at the 6th Annual Aged Care Week. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of aged care in Australia here now.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
