Australian College of Nursing upskilling nurses to care for older Australians
Australian College of Nursing
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is proud to be one of five providers selected to upskill nurses in the latest round of the Federal Government’s Aged Care Transition to Practice (ACTTP) Program.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended that residential aged care facilities have a registered nurse (RN) on-site and on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7).
This requirement, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, aims to improve resident safety and access to clinical care. The Government provides a 24/7 RN supplement to help facilities meet this requirement.
The ACTTP Program will strengthen nursing capability in aged care settings across regional, rural, and remote locations nationwide.
It is a comprehensive 10-month program that develops fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are essential to provide holistic and evidence-based care to older people.
The Government’s significant funding commitment will equip more than 2,000 registered and enrolled nurses with the skills to provide specialised, high-quality care to older people and encourage more dedicated nurses into aged care.
ACN CEO, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN, said the latest investment is another crucial step forward in building Australia’s aged care workforce capacity.
“ACN is pleased to be playing a role supporting the Government to ensure every older Australian receives the highest standard of care, regardless of where they live,” Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
“It is our responsibility to provide our parents and grandparents in aged care with access to the best possible health care where they live – and nurses are best placed and qualified to provide that care.
“Our Aged Care Transition to Practice Program is already demonstrating its value in developing confident, skilled nurses who are passionate about aged care.
“ACN is leading the Community of Practice of the five providers of this critical program, underscoring its standing as one of the foremost providers of post-graduate nursing education.”
The ACTTP Program includes:
· access to skilled aged-care nurse educators with specialised expertise,
· 38 hours of aged-care-specific online modules and activities,
· eight four-hour live sessions spread over 10 months for flexible learning,
· real-life case scenarios to analyse current practice,
· 83 CPD hours upon successful completion, and
· mentorship.
The Program supports three streams of nurses:
· newly graduated registered and enrolled nurses with under two years’ experience,
· transitioning registered nurses not in their first year of clinical practice overall but in their first year in aged care, and
· Aged Care Nurse Practitioners.
The Program aligns with the Aged Care Quality Standards and Aged Care Quality Indicators.
ACN continues to accept applications for the ACTTP Program, with monthly intakes available.
Aged care providers interested in participating can contact ACN directly to discuss opportunities for their nursing staff.
For more information:
Website: www.acn.edu.au/education/aged-care-transition-to-practice
Contact details:
Lexi Metherell 0449 803 524
Email: [email protected]