The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has launched an aged care continual professional development (CPD) series designed to support nurses’ in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Chief Executive Officer of ACN, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said the series was designed to advance clinical nurse leadership in a sector that had seen significant challenges in the last twelve months.
“Nurses have been leaders in identifying and adapting residential aged care facilities to face the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in challenging the systemic issues in aged care that have been identified by the Royal Commission,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
The series highlights the role nurses play in clinical governance in the aged care sector by ensuring their practice supports compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards. The series offers professional development opportunities for nurses involved in the sector to update their knowledge and skills by reflecting on their practice and ensuring best practice.
Adjunct Professor Ward said that the interim report of the Royal Commission had shown that nurses working in aged care sought high-quality courses to continue to support their professional development.
“As both the national professional organisation for nurses and as a nurse educational institution, ACN is leading the way in identifying how our educational opportunities can further support nurses in the aged care sector and support their work,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“When the Royal Commission hands down its final report in 2021, we will continue to adjust and upgrade our courses to ensure nurses continue to receive the best possible education to support aged care residents.”
Adjunct Professor Ward said that residential aged care facilities should consider upskilling their nursing staff to ensure they deliver the best possible outcomes.
“This professional development series is an opportunity for residential aged care facility operators to improve their service delivery and help assure residents and families that they are doing everything they can to deliver high-quality care.”
