A Federal government program is aiming to address the chronic staffing crisis in aged care by encouraging and supporting recently graduated registered nurses and enrolled nurses to make aged care nursing their career of choice. 

Launched in 2021, the Aged Care Transition to Practice Program (ACTPP) assists new nurses through their first year of clinical practice by offering mentorship, professional development, and specialist clinical education to help increase their skills and capabilities.  

With a growing ageing population, aged care has become one of the fastest growing areas of clinical practice within the Australian healthcare sector. 

Further, the sector is in desperate need of more qualified aged care nurses, as evidenced by the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.  

Federal Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan lauded the program as allowing new aged care nurses “opportunities for growth [to] make aged care nursing a career of choice.” 

“Many graduates don’t realise aged care provides nurses with opportunities for rapid development and career advancement compared to other clinical settings,.” Professor McMillan said.  

With mandated minimum staffing in aged care facilities soon set to be legislated by the Federal Government and coming into effect July 2023, programs like the ACTPP will be needed to recruit and retain nursing staff in the sector.  

The program is open to graduated registered nurses and enrolled nurses who have graduated within the last two years and who are currently in their first year of clinical practice.  

For those looking for a career change, registered nurses who have worked in another sector for more than 12 months and are in their first year of clinical practice in aged care are also eligible.  

For more information about the program and eligibility requirements check out the Department of Health and Aged Care website here.