At Lumia Care, we understand the importance of training and supporting the next generation of nurses to deliver high-quality, person-centred care to older Australians.
That’s why we’re excited to be playing a key role in the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program, backed by the Albanese Government’s $18.4 million investment.
This funding will provide up to 8,000 nursing students with hands-on experience in aged care, helping them develop essential clinical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the unique needs of older people. Now open to Diploma of Nursing students as well as those in Bachelor and Master programs, the program aims to inspire more nurses to enter the aged care sector.
As the Minister for Aged Care and Sport, Anika Wells highlighted: “During 2023-24, we supported over 2,000 students to build these specialised skills through high-quality care, on-the-job training and the ability to better understand and address the unique health needs of older people in care.”
The program is helping futureproof the aged care nursing workforce by increasing graduate entry and addressing predicted shortfalls.
Student feedback shows that just one aged care placement makes them 63% more likely to consider a career in the sector. “Students tell us how the program shifts their perception of aged care nursing, revealing it as a valuable career opportunity,” says APNA President, Karen Booth.
With hands-on clinical experience, engagement with residents, an online resource hub, and full support from APNA Clinical Nurse Facilitators, students find the placements both educational and rewarding. Nearly 75% of students reported a positive placement experience, reinforcing the program’s success in inspiring the next generation of aged care nurses.
Lumia Care is one of the organisations funded to deliver this program nationally until 30th June 2027, alongside the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), the University of Canberra, Hunter Primary Care, and Brightwater Care Group.
By investing in Aged Care training today, we are helping to build a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future – one that ensures older Australians continue to receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.
