Historical publications

A Review of the Current Role of Enrolled Nurses in the Aged Care Sector: Future Directions

This paper discusses the changing nature of the aged care environment, in relation to both providers and recipients. The nature of the nursing workforce has changed, and staffing in some areas is not meeting demand. It discusses the viability of an enhanced and more consistent scope of practice among Enrolled Nurses.

This publication is available for download in PDF format:

A Review of the Current Role of Enrolled Nurses in the Aged Care Sector: Future Directions (PDF 2973KB)

The Working Group on Aged Care Worker Qualifications (the Working Group) was established in March 2000 to develop recommendations for a better qualified aged care workforce, particularly in relation to medication administration. The Working Group found that the changing demands on the aged care workforce in Australia has meant that the qualifications and training procedures of those employed in the industry need to be reviewed, predominantly at the Enrolled Nurse (EN) level.

This paper discusses the changing nature of the aged care environment, in relation to both providers and recipients. While the needs and demands of care recipients have changed, so too has the nature of the nursing workforce, where staffing in some areas is not meeting demand. This paper discusses the viability of an enhanced and more consistent scope of practice among ENs.

The Working Group found that there is broad support for an enhanced scope of practice that includes administration of up to, and including, Schedule 4 medications for ENs providing there is appropriate education and supervision in a nationally consistent framework.

This paper provides a number of strategies that might assist in the implementation of a nationally consistent framework for the role of ENs.

If you are having problems downloading these PDF files please send an email to: acc@health.gov.au for a copy to be sent to you.
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