The Australian Government has renewed funding for the Aged Care Nurse Clinical Placements Program (ACNCPP) with an $18.4 million investment to support 8,000 nursing students achieve clinical placements in the aged care sector.
In 2023-24, 2,000 students took part in the ACNCPP.
Five organisations are being funded to deliver the ACNPP until 30 June 2027 across every state and territory (see main image):
- Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA),
- Pop-Up Health,
- University of Canberra,
- Hunter Primary Care, and
- Brightwater Care Group.
The program has always been available to Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing students, and has been expanded to also include Diploma of Nursing students.
Launched in June 2023, the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program was driven by recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, with the aim of increasing the number of nurses working in the sector, and to help providers comply with the 24/7 RN and mandated care minute reforms.
The latest figures available show that in 2024-25, Australia is estimated to be short an estimated 1,492 Registered Nurses in aged care.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said, “Our continued support of this program demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to attracting nurses to aged care and building a skilled and supported workforce to meet the needs and rights of older people.”
Other Government programs to encourage nurses to work in aged care include:
- the Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment
- the Aged Care Transition to Practice Program and
- Aged Care Nursing and Allied Health Dementia Care Scholarships.
