Media Release: 25 March 2009
Aged care nurse scholarships welcomed by nurses
The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) welcomed the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot’s announcement of $1.6 million in funding for aged care nursing scholarships, but warned that the Australian Government needs to do more to support and retain aged care nurses.
“It is great to see that the Minister for Ageing recognizes the central role of nurses in health and aged care – however in the long term the government must address the critical shortage of nurses in aged care, ANF Federal Secretary Ged Kearney said.
“The aged care sector is growing, increasing numbers of older Australians require complicated nursing care, and more needs to be done to support the dedicated nursing staff who remain in the sector. It is the only way to ensure older Australians receive the best quality care we can give them.”
A national campaign – ‘Because We Care’ was launched in Parliament House last week by the ANF to address the key issues that are contributing to an increasing shortage of nurses in aged care.
The ANF are asking all Australians to email the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliott, to request the government properly fund aged care and ensure:
- The right balance of skills and nursing hours so that nursing and care staff can provide quality care for every resident.
- Fair pay for aged care nurses and care staff who are paid up to $300 per week less than nurses in other sectors.
- Recognition of the professional skills of Assistants in Nursing and care staff through a national licensing system.
- A guarantee that taxpayer funding is used for nursing and personal care for each resident.
“While we support scholarships and will encourage our members to apply if they are interested, the aged care sector will not see an increase in recruitment and retention of nursing staff until pay and conditions are improved.”
Those interested in applying for a scholarship should contact the Royal College of Nursing Australia on 1800 116 696 for the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme, or 1800 551 201 for the Postgraduate Community Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Scheme or download the information packs at www.rcna.org.au.
For more information on the ANF campaign go to www.becausewecare.org.au.
Media Contacts
Ged Kearney, ANF Federal Secretary, 0417 053 322
Libby Muir, ANF Communications Officer, 0413 834 979
The ANF, with 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.