$18 million investment to support student nurses with clinical aged care placements

Thousands of nursing students will have access to aged care placements with the Federal Government investing over $18 million to ensure the sector does not miss out on the next generation of nurses.

The $18.4 million commitment will support nursing students through the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program. 

This program provides Diploma of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing, and Master of Nursing (Graduate entry) students with high-quality clinical placements in the care and support sector.

Diploma of Nursing students must complete at least 400 hours of clinical placement. Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing (Graduate entry) students must complete at least 800 hours of placement during their course. 

The funds may also go some way to alleviating the pressures caused by placement poverty with many nursing students required to take on unpaid clinical placements.

The Minister for Aged Care and Sport, Anika Wells, highlighted the funding’s importance and impact on nurses in the care sector. 

“Skilled nurses play an integral role in aged care, helping keep residents safe while reducing medical emergencies through early intervention,” she explained.

“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.”

Participating students are supported by trained clinical facilitators while on-site. They will have access to an online resource hub throughout their placement. These dedicated resources enable students to further enhance their skills in gerontological care.

Five organisations are being funded to deliver the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program nationally until June 30, 2027, including Brightwater Care Group, Hunter Primary Care, University of Canberra, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association and Pop-Up Health. 

The program aims to raise student awareness of the career opportunities in the care and support sector. The government hopes it will create new opportunities for registered nurses to enter the care and support sector in the early stages of their careers.

University of South Australia Bachelor of Nursing student Georgia said the placement allowed her to learn more about providing care in the community.

“I didn’t know anything about community nursing before my placement started, so it’s been great to learn about community nursing,” she shared. 

“The highlight for me would definitely be being on the road and being able to meet the patients, build that rapport with them, and make that positive impact. 

“I would definitely consider becoming a community nurse. I think it’s a great way for patients to get what they need with care packages, and I’ve learned a lot about community nursing.”

Click here for more information about the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program, click here.