What is the role of a Registered Nurse in Aged Care?

Aged Care nursing was once considered the area of nursing that older nurses went into when they wanted to slow down or reduce their workload. This is no longer the case. The area of aged care is rapidly changing, having undergone major reform as the government repositions services and resources to respond to existing and emerging demands. 

Registered Nurses (RNs) in aged care need to be skilled across many areas, attracting much younger nurses to work in residential aged care homes. New models of care have enabled greater access and delivery of services whilst maintaining high levels of quality and safety. Plus, evidence-based, person-centred-care has helped to improve services and levels of care.

 

What are the benefits of working in aged care?

For many RNs, aged care isn't just a job; it's a calling. Here are some reasons why many find it an incredibly fulfilling career path.

 

Making a difference

In aged care, you'll wear many hats: wound care expert, medication manager, cheerleader and confidante. Your skills truly shine, directly impacting residents' lives. The best reward is a grateful smile or a resident's family thanking you for your care.

Feeling valued

Unlike hospital settings, aged care fosters a closer connection. Residents appreciate the little things such as a kind word, explaining medication, or simply being there. You become a beacon of comfort and support, leaving a lasting impact on residents and families.

Being a leader

While leadership skills might not be on your RN diploma, aged care can unlock them. You'll manage teams, mentor staff and discover hidden leadership strengths.  Imagine inspiring a team that makes a real difference every day.

Work-life balance

Residential aged care homes often face a shortage of skilled RNs, which translates to flexibility. You'll likely find shifts that fit your life, with employers valuing work-life balance to retain their best nurses.

Networking opportunities

In aged care, you'll collaborate with a diverse healthcare team, from doctors to therapists. Your expertise is valued, and you'll feel like a crucial part of the team, working together for the best outcomes.

Strong community

Aged care fosters a strong sense of community. You'll build connections with residents, families, carers and colleagues. It's like a big extended family, offering support and camaraderie both personally and professionally.

Advocacy

By providing exceptional care and advocating for residents' needs, you'll be a champion for the aged. You'll show the world the positive impact skilled aged care nursing can have, making a significant difference in a population that often feels overlooked.

Job growth and security

Whilst all nursing jobs are in demand, there is a high demand for RNs in aged care. Giving you job security, with jobs expected to continue to grow as the population ages.

 

What is a Registered Nurse in aged care?

A Registered Nurse in aged care is a highly skilled healthcare professional responsible for assessing, planning and delivering comprehensive care to aged residents. Registered Nursing responsibilities in aged care include (but are not limited to):

• Resident assessments: Conduct thorough evaluations to understand each resident's physical, mental, emotional and social needs.
• Personalised care planning: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop individualised care plans that address each resident's unique requirements.
• Holistic care delivery: Provide comprehensive care encompassing physical wellbeing, emotional support and spiritual considerations.
• Safe medication management: Administer medications accurately, monitor for side effects and educate residents and families on medication regimens.
• Critical thinking in complex situations: Utilise critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex healthcare situations and make informed decisions.
• Resident advocacy and team leadership: Champion residents' rights and wellbeing, supervise and mentor junior staff and foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Multidisciplinary teamwork: Work effectively with doctors, therapists and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal resident outcomes.
• Championing safety: Actively participate in occupational health and safety initiatives to maintain a safe environment for residents, families and staff.
• Lifelong learning: Continuously develop professional knowledge and skills through ongoing education and training programs.
• Resident monitoring and valuation: Closely monitor residents' health, assess changes in condition and provide appropriate care and guidance.
• Effective communication: Accurately observe and interpret resident symptoms, then communicate clearly with doctors to ensure timely interventions.
• Individualised care planning: Work collaboratively with doctors and other staff to develop personalised care plans that best suit each resident's needs.

 

How to become a Registered Nurse in aged care

A Registered Nurse (RN) in Aged Care has typically undertaken a minimum of a three-year degree at university and is a member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Many of our RN’s also have an Aged Care post- graduate education. This is a year- long course and involves studying the following units:

• Assessing and Managing Adult Pain;
• Assessment of the Older Person;
• Clinical Issues in the Care of the Older Person;
• Continence Management;
• Dementia Care;
• Healthy Ageing;
• Parkinson’s Care;
• Principles of Infection Control;
• Principles of Palliative Care Nursing; and
• Wound Management.

 

Additionally, or alternatively to the above course, many nurses will choose to specialise in one particular area, such as Dementia Care, Pain, Chronic and Palliative Care, Gerontological Nursing, Parkinson’s or Neurological Nursing. You can also study a Master of Nursing and become a Nurse Practitioner.

 

Other Registered Nurse roles in aged care homes

Nursing in aged care has many opportunities, from the role on the floor, working with residents, to working as the Regional Aged Care Manager or Care Director.

As the Regional Aged Care Manager

Technically, not all Regional Aged Care Managers are Registered Nurses, however many of them have this as their background. The Regional Aged Care Manager is responsible for:

• the effective management of residents, ensuring the delivery of premium resident-centred and clinical care;
• maintenance of both clinical and non-clinical standards, creating a positive work environment that promotes employee productivity and driving operational efficiency within the home;
• strong internal and external relationships, driving a culture of safety leadership;
• coaching and motivating employees to foster development and strives for continuous process improvement to enrich the lives of Estia Health residents;
• all other operational aspects of the home, which requires strong business acumen; and
• good communication with patience and a compassionate ear to support residents and their families at an incredibly important time in their lives.

 

As the Care Director

The Care Director is responsible for:

• supporting the Regional Aged Care Manager with the management of the home specifically surrounding the provision of advanced clinical and holistic care of residents;
• overseeing the care program for residents and leading a team of aged care employees;
• ensuring the delivery of high-quality care;
• all aspects of clinical delivery at the home to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of residents and the team is maintained;
• supervising nursing and care team; and
• meeting legislative and accreditation requirements.

 

What is the difference between an Enrolled Nurse and a Registered Nurse?

Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses (ENs) have different roles in aged care. Education sets them apart: ENs with two-year diplomas and RNs with three-year degrees.

An ENs daily responsibilities and duties are:

• Function within a supervisory framework: Work under the guidance and direction of a RN to ensure optimal resident care.
• Perform comprehensive assessments: Conduct holistic assessments that include observation, physical examinations and vital sign measurements like temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration and blood sugar.
• Maintain clear communication: Promptly report any changes in a resident's condition to the RN and doctors, ensuring timely interventions.
• Provide daily living assistance: Assist residents with personal hygiene tasks, including showering, bathing, dressing and eating, while prioritising their comfort and wellbeing.
• Support rehabilitation and exercise: When applicable, assist residents in prescribed rehabilitation or exercise programs.
• Collaborative care planning: Participate in developing, implementing and evaluating care plans alongside the RN and other healthcare team members, aiming for the best possible resident outcomes.
• Basic first aid and emergency response: Assist with general first aid procedures and support the RN in emergencies.
• Create safety: Actively promote a safe environment for oneself and residents while adhering to all nursing practice protocols.

 

Read more about the roles of a Registered Nurse vs Enrolled Nurse on our website.