Aged care program helps State retain talented young nurses

Aged and Community Services Tasmania (ACST) today toasted the achievements of its
inaugural Graduate Nurse Transition to Practice Program 2012 graduates and launched
the 2013 program, with a presentation ceremony and celebratory morning tea held at the
Hobart Function Centre.

ACST CEO Darren Mathewson said the program, which invests in graduate nurses through
support and mentoring, was critical in helping the aged care sector in Tasmania retain and
attract skilled nurses.

“Aged care is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia and the ACST graduate
program helps Tasmania develop and retain the next batch of aged care professionals,” Mr
Mathewson said.

“In other industries, we’re already seeing an increasing number of young Tasmanians
gaining formal degrees or qualifications before moving interstate to improve their career
prospects.

“As a sector, aged care must be congratulated for conducting a program that keeps
recently graduated nurses in Tasmania, despite not attracting the funding and support to
ensure the program’s future sustainability.”

Mr Mathewson added the chances of those who completed the program staying in the
Tasmanian sector was particularly good, with around 90 per cent of 2012 program
participants still working within the aged care sector.

2012 graduate and Tasmanian Aged Care Award winner Cara Shearer said the program
had given her a great insight into the Tasmanian aged care sector and helped her develop
life-long skills and abilities.

“Our organisations have been amazing in supporting us and our development throughout
the course of the program,” Ms Shearer said.

“Aged care is such a unique working environment, and there are plenty of career
opportunities in the Tasmanian sector for young nurses.

“Hopefully programs such as this continue to get support and funding they deserve,
because without them, the sector just wouldn’t have the resources to provide care to our
older population.”
Aged and Community Services Tasmania (ACST)