How to become an Aged Care Nurse
Aged care nurses play a vital role in providing comprehensive and specialised care for elderly individuals. With a focus on promoting health, well-being and quality of life, they contribute to the overall support and comfort of aged care residents.
Personal requirements for an Aged Care Nurse
- Compassion and empathy towards the elderly population
- Patience and understanding to address the unique needs and challenges of ageing individuals
- Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with residents and their families
- Physical and emotional resilience to cope with the demands of the profession
- Attention to detail and strong observational skills to monitor changes in residents' health
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Education & Training for an Aged Care Nurse
To become an aged care nurse, you’d have completed a bachelor degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing and be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a registered nurse. You might have additional certifications or courses in aged care nursing or gerontology.
Duties & Tasks of an Aged Care Nurse
Aged care nurses:
- Assess and monitor the health and well-being of elderly residents
- Develop and implement care plans tailored to individual needs
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed
- Assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and feeding
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals and support staff to provide holistic care
- Educate residents and their families on health management and disease prevention
Tasks
- Conduct health assessments and identify changes in residents' conditions
- Administer medications and monitor their effectiveness and side effects
- Assist with wound care, mobility support and rehabilitation exercises
- Provide emotional support and address residents' psychological wellbeing
- Document and maintain accurate records of residents' health status and care plans
- Collaborate with allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists
Working conditions for an Aged Care Nurse
Aged care nurses work in various settings, including residential aged care facilities, nursing homes and community care centres. Shift work is common, including weekends, evenings and public holidays. They would balance the physical demands of the job with empathy and compassion.
Employment Opportunities for an Aged Care Nurse
Aged care nurses have excellent employment opportunities in Australia. There is an increasing demand for aged care services due to the ageing population. Employment opportunities are available in residential aged care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and community care centres, with potential for career progression into leadership and management roles.
Specializations
Aged care nurses may specialise in the following fields:
- Dementia care — Providing specialised support and care for individuals with dementia, focusing on cognitive stimulation, behaviour management and creating dementia-friendly environments.
- Palliative care — Offering end-of-life care and support to residents with life-limiting illnesses, ensuring their comfort, dignity and pain management.
- Rehabilitation care — Assisting residents in recovering and regaining independence after surgery, illness or injury through personalised rehabilitation programs.
- Community aged care — Delivering care and support services to elderly individuals in their homes, enabling them to live independently and maintain their wellbeing.
- Management and leadership — Pursuing roles in aged care management, overseeing the operations of residential aged care facilities and leading teams.
Weekly Pay
$2,156
Future Growth
Positive
Skill level rating
Very high skill
