Building a better pathway into Aged Care

Australia’s population is ageing, resulting in increased demand for aged care services. At the same time, a predicted shortfall in the number of nurses required to meet these needs exists.  

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's recommendations for increased nursing levels in residential aged care add pressure.  

APNA’s Aged Care Clinical Placement Program was developed to address these challenges. The Commonwealth Government has funded us to offer high-quality placements to student nurses across all years of study.  

By showcasing the opportunities that working in aged care can offer nurses early in their careers, we aim to make the sector their first choice on graduating.  

Help futureproof your aged care nurse workforce  

Students benefit from hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. Our program offers a unique learning environment where students can develop their clinical skills, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills while caring for older adults. 

Our aim is to provide the students with such an amazing experience that they genuinely consider a career in Aged Care. Students with a great placement experience often consider employment at their placement facility once they graduate.

We fund a Clinical Nurse Facilitator to reduce your burden

What really sets our program apart is our talented team of Clinical Nurse Facilitators (CNFs), employed by APNA to support and teach students throughout their placements. This takes the pressure off your workforce, allowing them to focus on caring for your residents. 

APNA is there every step of the way 

Our team organises everything, from working with education providers on the students’ scope of practice and arranging placements, working with your supervisors on inductions and fitting in with your culture and systems, right through to follow-up. 

Many of our staff have nursing or education backgrounds, so we understand the challenges that student placements can bring to your facility and your residents. 

You can meet our Clinical and Education Team and learn about their breadth of skills and experience in our membership magazine, Primary Times.

Ultimately, our Aged Care Clinical Placement Program aims to change the perceptions of nursing in aged care by creating genuine career pathways for students and greater health outcomes for all.

Don't just take our word for it

Watch our short video featuring staff at BlueCross Hansworth talking about the benefits of hosting students. 

Join us 

If you are ready to sign up, or have any questions, please email placements@apna.asn.au.