Patients big winners in Minister’s call on surgeries
May 23, 2024
CHA: Annual Private Health Insurance Premium Round
June 26, 2024
The federal government has responded to concerns about workforce shortages impacting the delivery of critical care minutes in residential aged care services.
From 1 October, aged care providers will have the flexibility to use Enrolled Nurses to meet 10 per cent of their nursing targets.
CEOs and senior executives from across the Catholic aged care sector were informed of the breakthrough at a budget briefing in Canberra last week by Department of Health and Aged Care Deputy Secretary Michael Lye.
Mr Lye told CHA’s Budget Week Dialogue that providers can meet up to 10 per cent of their Registered Nurse targets using Enrolled Nurses. For example, if a service has a RN target of 44 minutes, 4.4 EN minutes may be counted.
“This is an important step in recognising the valuable role ENs play in the sector and follows substantial feedback from the sector, including CHA’s advocacy,” said Director of Aged Care Policy Director Laura Haylen.
The move was also welcomed by Catholic providers including MercyCare.
“Combining the different skills of Enrolled Nurses and Registered Nurses ensures comprehensive resident care, allowing each nurse to focus on their strengths for better health outcomes,” said CEO Anthony Smith.
“By fostering professional growth and creating clear career pathways, the synergy between ENs and RNs boosts job satisfaction and retention in the nursing profession.
“MercyCare believes the best care for older people is provided by a multidisciplinary team, we support the reintroduction of Enrolled Nurses into that team. This initiative addresses workforce shortages and supports professional growth, enhancing care outcomes and service sustainability.
“MercyCare welcomes the Government’s initiative to reintegrate Enrolled Nurses into aged care, as it supports our staff, benefits our clients, and helps providers deliver better care.”
Providers will still be funded to meet care minutes from 1 October 2024 as though the full 44 minute target is met by RNs, ensuring the sector has the option to meet their full nursing target with RNs.
Further information on this announcement is available at the Department’s website.
