The aged care sector is estimated to be short 4,043 RNs for the 2024-25 financial year, recent Senate Estimates heard, as increased care minute targets loom only three months away, including increased targets for the degree-qualified nurses.
"In just a few months’ time, aged care providers will be required to find even more additional staff – in the midst of a workforce crisis - in order to provide an average of 215 care minutes per resident per day, including 44 minutes of direct RN care," said Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Senator Anne Ruston.
According to a search on jobs website Seek, there are 4,729 aged care RN positions vacant.
The RN shortage will have the greatest impact on regional and remote aged care homes where recruitment is most difficult, despite the Government last month allowing 10% of the new care minute requirements to provided by Enrolled Nurses (ENs).
David Reece, CEO of Not For Profit Victorian aged care provider AdventCare, which operates a home in Warburton, 75km east of Melbourne, told The SOURCE the 10% is a good precedent, but he would like to see the target increased to about 25%.
After visiting Helping Hand's Yeltana facility, the only aged care home in Whyalla, 400km north west of Adelaide, Senator Ruston said more needs to be done to give rural and regional aged care providers staffing flexibility and support.
“Today I had the privilege of visiting an aged care home in Whyalla, where residents told me how fortunate they feel to have access to a local facility that allows them to receive the care they need in their home town, remaining connected to friends and loved ones.
“The Government and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission need to put appropriate safeguards in place that recognises shallow workforce markets, particularly for aged care homes in the bush.
“Otherwise, we know that they will be risking even further home closures under their watch."
Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) CEO Tom Symondson said there "simply aren’t enough registered nurses in Australia to fill available positions".
“We are continuing to advocate for sensible change, including expanded recognition of enrolled nurses and virtual nursing opportunities, as well as policy settings that recognise the reality of the workforce we have in Australia.”