The Albanese Government is investing $18.4 million to support thousands of nursing students through the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program.
This renewed funding will support up to 8,000 nursing students to develop practical skills in the care of older people to manage their unique clinical care needs.
The program provides students an opportunity to experience the benefits of working in the care and support sector early in their career with the aim of increasing the supply of skilled and dedicated nurses in aged care.
The program is available to Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing students and is now also open to Diploma of Nursing students, allowing more students to gain practical skills.
Students are supported by trained clinical facilitators and have access to an online resource hub throughout their placement. These dedicated resources enable students to further enhance their skills in gerontological care.
The following organisations are being funded to deliver this program nationally until 30 June 2027:
- Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)
- Pop-Up Health
- University of Canberra
- Hunter Primary Care
- Brightwater Care Group
To view more information, including testimonials from past program participants visit Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Sport, Anika Wells:
“Skilled nurses play an integral role in aged care, helping keep residents safe while reducing medical emergencies through early intervention.
“During 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.
“The Albanese Government’s $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.
“Our continued support of this program demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to attracting nurses to aged care and building a skilled and supported workforce to meet the needs and rights of older people.”