By Natasha Hawkins, Senior Lecturer & Post Graduate Course Coordinator, University of New England

Australians over the past few years have become acutely aware of the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC), especially in aged care. The number of deaths due to COVID-19 in residential aged care homes has thankfully declined, however it remains a real and ongoing threat. As of early March, there were still 563 active cases reported in 104 outbreaks in facilities across Australia.

Older adults are among the most vulnerable to infectious diseases, and aged care nurses play a crucial role in protecting residents’ health, safety and dignity. Yet, remaining current with the evolving standards, emerging evidence, and shifting expectations in IPC requires more than good intentions alone. It requires dedicated education and ongoing professional development.

At the University of New England (UNE), our postgraduate Aged Care Nursing courses are designed to equip nurses with the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving aged care sector. A standout feature of the UNE courses is a dedicated unit on IPC, which empowers nurses to lead change, uphold safety standards, and drive continuous improvement in aged care settings. This unit strengthens clinical practice and positions graduates as key contributors to quality care and organisational excellence in line with national priorities and accreditation standards.

Why IPC needs to be a priority

Infections in aged care are common and can be deadly. From respiratory infections to gastroenteritis and wound infections, older people often experience more severe symptoms and complications. Add in factors like polypharmacy, frailty, and communal living environments, and the risks multiply.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified significant shortcomings in IPC practices across the aged care sector. It reported a lack of IPC leadership and highlighted persistent issues such as the inappropriate use of antimicrobials—contributing to antimicrobial resistance—alongside inadequate IPC practices by some providers. These included poor hand hygiene, ineffective waste disposal and insufficient training for staff.

In an accompanying special report on COVID-19, the Royal Commission also revealed significant shortcomings in the sector’s preparedness and response to the pandemic, highlighting issues with staff training, the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control protocols. It concluded that training in the use of PPE was “completely inadequate” and heard “concerning evidence” about unsafe conditions for aged care workers themselves.

In the wake of these findings, the expectations of nursing staff have shifted considerably. Nurses now need to be confident in interpreting national guidelines, such as the Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide (ACSQH, 2024) and applying them in practical care environments. It is also now mandatory for all residential aged care homes to appoint an IPC Lead to oversee and improve IPC practices. The new IPC lead role will be responsible for maintaining high standards of IPC across aged care facilities. This is a pivotal leadership position that demands strong clinical knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to make balanced decisions that consider both safety and quality of life.

Empowering nurses through education

UNE’s IPC unit, within the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Aged Care Nursing helps current registered nurses to:

• understand and apply evidence-based guidelines and best practices to assess, prevent and manage healthcare-associated infections (HAIs);
• develop skills in risk assessment, surveillance and outbreak management;
• promote and lead quality improvement initiatives; and
• consider the psychosocial impacts of infection control on residents, families and staff.

The unit empowers nurses to be clinical leaders and change agents by enhancing their understanding of governance and quality improvements. Graduates will be capable of auditing current practices to improve IPC compliance and, ultimately, patient outcomes.

Flexible, online learning that fits around your life

UNE’s Aged Care Nursing courses are designed with busy professionals in mind. You can study online, with full support from experienced nurse educators who understand the complexities of aged care. Assessments are designed to be practical and workplace-relevant, supporting peer-to-peer learning and acknowledging the staffing challenges faced across the sector.

Currently, there is an estimated shortfall of 5,900 registered nurses in residential aged care facilities—a figure projected to grow to around 17,550 by 2035. This presents strong and ongoing employment opportunities in the field.

Whether you’re already working in aged care or seeking to transition into the sector, UNE’s courses provide a solid theoretical foundation alongside practical skills that can be immediately applied in real-world settings.

Be the difference

Infection control isn’t just about procedures and checklists. It’s about fostering trust, upholding dignity and protecting lives.

If you’re ready to deepen your knowledge and make a meaningful impact in aged care, consider UNE’s postgraduate nursing programs.

Article sponsored by the University of New England.