Extra $440 million to support in-home aged care
The federal government has committed an extra $440 million to support more older Australians to stay at home, including expanding culturally appropriate aged-care services for First Nations people. The three-year investment, announced yesterday, adds to the Albanese Government’s 4.3 billion Support at Home package unveiled on 12 September. According to the government, demand for entry […]
Changes for residential aged care PCWs in 2025: Find out your pay and classification
If you are a PCW working in residential aged care, you can expect some changes to your pay and classification at the start of 2025. Background PCWs, now referred to as an ‘Aged care employee- direct care’, (direct care worker) under the Aged Care Award will receive an increase to minimum award rates effective from […]
Key changes for AINs in residential aged care: What pay to expect from January 2025
If you are an AIN working in residential aged care, you can expect some changes to your pay and classification at the start of 2025. AINs are currently classified under the Nurses Award 2020. The award sets minimum wages and conditions for AINs, ENs, RNs and Nurse Practitioners. It applies to each of these classifications, […]
Reducing emergency transfers from nursing homes
Despite recent reforms that have taken effect in Australian nursing homes, including the requirement for 24/7 registered nurse (RN) presence and mandated direct care minutes, high rates of transfers from nursing homes to emergency departments (ED) or hospitals persist. Background While some transfers may be necessary, expected, or unavoidable, transfers are occurring at rates far […]
Study callout: Help researchers understand drinking cultures among Victorian nurses and midwives
Are you a Victorian nurse or midwife interested in sharing your insights on drinking cultures within your professional community? Researchers from La Trobe University and Monash University want to hear from you. Researchers are conducting an online survey to explore the unique dynamics of drinking cultures among nurses and midwives. Drinking together (e.g., after work […]
Sacrificial burdens: Understanding overlooked fringe benefits implications
While non-financial benefits such as fringe benefits from employers can be appealing, it’s beneficial to understand some of the generally less considered aspects before making the decision that is right for you and your situation. While it might seem good sense to take advantage of these perks, often this can come at the expense of […]
Registered nurses given green light to prescribe medicines starting mid-2025
RNs who complete extra education will be allowed to prescribe Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines through a prescribing partnership starting in mid-2025.
‘Pain grows roots’: Women’s pain is not niche – it affects half the population
Every woman has a story. From migraines to pelvic pain, aching bones and muscles to mental and hormonal health, women are living with pain that could be treatable. But they are dismissed, their pain diminished, and they are statistically shown to have worse health outcomes than men. The recent Victorian Inquiry into Women’s Pain and, […]
Broccoli and kale top vegies for lowering blood pressure
If you suffer from high blood pressure, you may want to consider swapping pumpkin and potato for broccoli and cauliflower on your Christmas plate this festive season. Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower have been found to lower blood pressure, in comparison to root and squash vegetables, in middle-aged and older Australian adults […]
Calling all midwives and midwifery students: Take part in a nationwide study shaping future of breastfeeding support
Where do Australian midwives and midwifery students gain critical breastfeeding knowledge and support skills? It’s a question that researchers from the University of Notre Dame’s School of Nursing and Midwifery are currently investigating in a bid to enhance best practices. Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal nutritional food for newborns and babies under six months and […]