The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, that Registered Nurses are now on site in aged care 98 per cent of the time.
Speaking from the ACN National Nursing Forum in Adelaide, ACN CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said the high rates of 24/7 Registered Nurses in aged care is a great comfort for residents and their families.
“Provision of 24/7 Registered Nurses in aged care was a recommendation of the Royal Commission and a shared policy of the Albanese Government and ACN,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“Older Australians deserve the best of care at this stage of their lives, and quality nursing care around the clock is an assurance of safety and security.”
ACN conducts an Aged Care Transition to Practice Program (ACTPP) to upskill nurses to work in aged care.
ACN has participants and mentors in the program from all States and Territories and from more than 40 different aged care organisations.
“Working with the Government, ACN is leading the way to upskill and empower nurses to become the clinical and professional leaders in residential aged care in Australia, in keeping with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“A skilled nursing workforce improves health outcomes and enhances the quality of life of older people living at home, in community settings, and in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
“ACN is working in partnership with the Government and the sector to protect the health, welfare, and dignity of all residents in RACFs.
“Nurses are the most qualified permanent on-site health professionals in RACFs, and we need to get even more nurses into the system to meet growing demand for high quality care and build on the success to date.
“Registered nurses are critical in aged care facilities.
“They provide expert clinical governance, leadership, and oversight for enrolled nurses and unregulated healthcare workers, who make up most of the aged care workforce currently.
“ACN and the nursing profession are proud to play their part helping the Government achieve this important milestone in providing the best quality health care for older Australians when they need it the most.
“Nurses are the solution,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
