The aged care journey begins

A group of graduate nurses are on their way to becoming future aged care leaders after celebrating their graduation last Friday.

The 25 graduates, from Leading Age Services Australia – Victoria’s (LASA Victoria) Aged Care Graduate Nurse Program, were the first to complete the innovative 12 month program, designed specifically for nurses in the aged care industry, and run in partnership with Monash University and 17 LASA Victoria member organisations.

LASA Victoria chief executive, John Begg congratulated the graduates on their achievements and wished them every success as they continue their journey towards becoming the aged care leaders of the future.

“This first group of graduates can now use their advanced skills in aged care for the benefit of our ageing community and the workplace,” Mr Begg said.

“LASA Victoria, through our Training Division, is proud to be able to provide this opportunity and contribute to the development of the next generation of aged care workers,” he added.

The graduates completed a seven week theoretical program that provided 12 credit points into a Masters of Nursing (Aged Care) at Monash University and were also employed in a supported environment in one of LASA Victoria’s leading aged care provider member facilities throughout Victoria.

Graduates developed practical skills in a variety of residential care settings across all levels of care including dementia specific units, and consolidating skills in palliative care as well as in community care.

“The program offers the opportunity to understand the human face of nursing, as well as the many benefits of working with older people, including the opportunity to develop longterm relationships, and to implement a person-centred approach to care,” Mr Begg said.

Over the next 40 years the number of persons aged over 65 years will reportedly increase dramatically and the age group over 95 years of age even more so.

“Many of these older Australians will rely on professional care delivered by a vibrant and capable workforce; one that we must start building today to enable this care to be available,” he said.

“Our graduate nurse program not only offers participants excellent career development opportunities, and assists the ageing community, it offers the industry a much needed solution to the aged care workforce crisis we are facing.”

LASA Victoria nurse placement programs coordinator, Dr Pamela Johnson, described the nursing program as an outstanding opportunity for graduates to kick start their career in a rewarding industry.

“Aged care offers a complex and challenging career – one that can offer truly rewarding experiences and excellent career progression opportunities,” Dr Johnson said.

“Our unique and innovative program provides advanced theoretical and clinical learning experiences which is now becoming paramount in understanding the complex co-morbidities seen in frail older people, as well as providing the opportunity to develop leadership skills in the field,” she said.

The 2013 program, to commence today, is already full however any interested nurse graduates or placement providers are encouraged to contact LASA Victoria to explore last minute opportunities, or to be considered for the 2014 program – if funding is secured.

For more information on the Aged Care Graduate Nurse Program, contact LASA Victoria on (03) 9805 9400 or visit the LASA website.