$18.4m for clinical placements in aged care

The Albanese government has announced that it will invest $18.4 million to support more nursing students to enter the nation's growing aged care sector.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells revealed that the government is renewing it's funding for the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program, which will see up to 8,000 nursing students gain specialised aged care knowledge.
âSkilled nurses play an integral role in aged care, helping keep residents safe while reducing medical emergencies through early intervention," Minister Wells said.
âDuring 2023-24, we supported over 2,000 students to build these specialised skills through high quality, on-the-job, training and the ability to better understand and address the unique health needs of older people in care.
âThe Albanese Governmentâs $18.4m investment means an additional 8,000 nursing students will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the rewards of providing quality care to older people.
âOur continued support of this program demonstrates the Albanese Governmentâs commitment to attracting nurses to aged care and building a skilled and supported workforce to meet the needs and rights of older people.â
Launched in 2023, the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program is part of a series of government initiatives design to address widespread workforce shortages.
Similar government backed programs include the Aged Care Registered Nursesâ Payment, the Aged Care Transition to Practice Program and a range of Aged Care Nursing and Allied Health Dementia Care Scholarships.
The Program is open to those studying a Bachelor or Master of Nursing and, for the first time, a Diploma of Nursing as well.
Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), Pop-Up Health, University of Canberra, Hunter Primary Care and Brightwater Care Group have been funded to deliver the program nationwide until 30 June 2027.
APNA President Karen Booth said student feedback revealed that those who participated in just one aged care placement throughout their degree were 63 per cent more likely to consider a career in that sector.
âStudents who have taken part in the program tell us how it changed their perception of nursing in aged care and see it as a valuable career opportunity,â Ms Booth said.
âThey are given hands-on opportunities to develop their clinical skills, as well as engage with residents and contribute to their wellbeing, something they tell us is both educational and rewarding.
âStudents are also fully supported by APNA Clinical Nurse Facilitators to ensure they have a high quality, engaging experience as well as reaching their learning outcomes and assessments.
âAs a result, almost three quarters of students responded yes when asked if they had a positive experience on their placement.â
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