Nurses need more appreciation

Last week, aged care provider Benetas, in association with 3AW, held the inaugural Benetas Aged Care Nurses Appreciation Awards to recognise the outstanding achievements of Victorian nurses.

The awards came at a time of heightened public debate about Australia’s aged care nursing crisis, which has intensified since the confronting Four Corners report, End of the Line.

Benetas chief executive officer, Sandra Hills, said celebrating the achievements of nurses had never been more important.

“In just five years, there’s been an 18.5% drop in registered aged care nurses. Although it revealed the very real crisis in aged care nursing, the Four Corners report will drive nurses from the sector,” she said.

An independent panel of judges found each award recipient had made a significant positive impact on residents, families and communities.

One recipient made 51 presents for her residents at Christmas time. Another, is working with young men on an intergenerational program which has already seen one participant pursue a career in aged care.

A third left his job in landscape gardening to become a nurse after seeing the high level of care needed to look after his elderly grandparents.

Each of the four award winners is staunchly proud of the nursing profession but feels the negative industry image is taking its toll. All would like to see the focus back on client outcomes.

“It’s not rocket science, the more we focus on the under-performers the more skewed perceptions become,” commented Ms Hills.