Nursing in Aged Care offers many opportunities for registered nurses.

HealthX has strong partnerships with aged care facilities across Australia and has been placing international registered nurses in full time roles since 2008.

A HealthX registered nurse in aged care will generally hold the most senior clinical role within the facility. This leadership position presents an opportunity to manage multi-disciplinary teams, whilst also enjoying the hands-on caring of residents. It's a rewarding job that continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of the ageing population.

The landscape of Aged Care nursing has experienced a dramatic transformation in recent years. Government-initiated reforms have reshaped the industry. This shift has not only drawn experienced nurses but has also attracted a younger generation of healthcare professionals. With the advent of new care models and a commitment to evidence-based person-centred care, Aged Care has become an exciting and dynamic area for registered nurses.

Why choose a career in aged care?

Working as an registered nurse in Aged Care offers numerous benefits that make it a fulfilling and valuable career path in the healthcare sector:

• Better Work-Life Balance: Aged care facilities often accommodate various lifestyles, making it more family-friendly compared to hospital settings. Nurses are valued, and efforts are made to respect their work-life balance, encouraging long-term retention
• High Demand and Job Security: The aging population ensures a consistently high demand for nurses in aged care, providing job security and opportunities for career growth
• Developing Leadership Skills: Aged care provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills that may not be emphasised in university programs. Nurses can refine their management abilities and inspire their teams to excel
• Networking Opportunities: Registered nurses in aged care interact with healthcare professionals daily, offering a chance to collaborate closely and provide crucial information for optimal resident care. They become integral team members and valued equals
• Feeling Appreciated: Unlike the impersonal hospital system, aged care values its nursing staff. Nurses in aged care are not just numbers; they are individuals who make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and their families. The relationships formed are often lasting and deeply cherished.
• Building Strong Connections: Aged care feels like a close-knit family, with opportunities to bond and form lasting friendships with colleagues, residents, and their families
• Making a Real Difference: Aged care allows nurses to utilise a diverse range of skills, including wound care, medication management, leadership, acute care, rehabilitation, care planning, and communication. Every skillset is put to use, and residents truly appreciate the care they receive.
• Advocating for the Aged: Registered nurses in aged care serve as advocates for the elderly by modelling people-centric care and showcasing the expertise that goes into aged care nursing, making a significant difference in the lives of often marginalised individuals.

What are the key roles of a registered nurse in aged care?

As a HealthX registered nurse in aged care you will have a bachelor of nursing and be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Many registered nurses in this field also pursue post-graduate education in aged care, which covers a range of specialised topics such as pain management, dementia care, and palliative care.

Your responsibilities will include:  

• Working in a critical and complex healthcare environment
• Managing teams and mentoring junior staff
• Developing nursing care plans and evaluate their effectiveness
• Conducting comprehensive resident assessments, assessing their needs, and communicating with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care and advice
• Administering medications and monitoring their outcomes
• Providing holistic care, including emotional, psychological, and spiritual support
• Prioritising occupational health and safety to maintain a safe and clean environment for residents, families, and colleagues
• Engaging in continuous personal and professional development

For more information on opportunities for registered nurses in aged care in Australia, please email jobs@healthx.com.au