What does an aged care nurse do?
The compassion and care that aged care nurses provide to the elderly is truly unique and an essential part of a functioning society. An aged care nurse, sometimes known as a geriatric nurse, is often a registered nurse (RN) who has specialised in caring for the unique needs of older adults. If you decide to work in this profession your day-to-day might involve creating healthcare plans, educating patients, and providing emotional support to families. You will also assess the physical, mental and emotional state of your patients – always working to improve their quality of life where possible. You could be based in a community setting, retirement village, hospital, residential aged care facility, or work as a home care nurse or private nurse.Is a career as an aged care nurse right for me?
Working as an aged care nurse often suits people who are caring, good at decision making and who have an interest in medicine. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
- good communication skills
- compassion and empathy
- the ability to take responsibility
- the ability to take initiative in emergencies
- a high degree of integrity
- strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
- a strong stomach for medical situations.
How to become an aged care nurse
To work as an aged care nurse, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, along with specialist experience in the field. This can take a minimum of three years of full-time study, or part-time equivalent. Additionally, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is required to practice.
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career in aged care. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of nursing:
Average salary per week
$934
Future demand
Strong
Industries
Source:
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.
Degree
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Campus
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Age care nurse FAQs
What are the typical aged care nurse duties and responsibilities like?
The role and responsibilities will vary, particularly if you want to pursue a job as a home care nurse or private nurse for the elderly.
Most age care nurse careers will entail:
- Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care for patients according to accepted nursing practices and standards.
- Collaborating with other health professionals and members of health teams.
- Providing interventions, treatments, and therapies such as administering medications and monitoring patients' responses to treatment plans.
- Answering questions and providing information to patients and their families about treatment plans and care.
- Supervising and coordinating the work of enrolled nurses and other healthcare workers.
How long does it take to become an aged care nurse?
The time it takes to become an aged care nurse varies depending on your previous education, the training requirements of specific fields, and employment opportunities.
Completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing typically takes around three years of full-time study, or the part-time equivalent. This formal education is necessary to starting a career in aged care nursing, providing the knowledge and skills necessary.
From here you can continue to enhance your knowledge and pursue a postgraduate qualification, such as our Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Gerontology), Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Gerontology) or Master of Nursing (Gerontology).
At UniSQ, there are multiple pathways you can take to set yourself up for a successful aged care career. Explore the various nursing paths available at UniSQ.
Is there a strong demand for aged care nurses?
The demand for aged care nurses is strong. This is driven by the ageing population and the growing need for specialised care. This need for qualified aged care nursing professionals is expected to continue, making an aged care nursing career a stable and rewarding choice.
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