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Ageing Australia’s Aged Care Transition to Practice Program (ACTTP) is helping strengthen the sector’s nursing workforce by providing structured education, mentorship and practical support for registered nurses beginning their careers in aged care or transitioning into the sector.

For Benetas Registered Nurse Ilksen Oksuz, the program provided the confidence and practical skills needed to successfully step from an Enrolled Nurse into a Registered Nurse role.

“Although I had several years of experience working in the sector, stepping into the RN role came with increased responsibility, clinical decision-making and leadership expectations. I felt the program would provide valuable guidance and help strengthen my confidence as I adjusted to the role,” she said.

The 24-week program is designed specifically for the aged care environment, covering topics such as clinical assessment, recognising and responding to deterioration, communication, leadership and person-centred care. The combination of structured learning and mentoring helps participants translate theory into everyday practice.

For Ilksen, one of the greatest benefits was increasing her confidence in clinical judgement and decision-making.

“I now feel more confident in my clinical judgement, advocating for older people and contributing more effectively within the multidisciplinary team,” she said.

The practical focus of the program also equipped her with skills she now applies daily.

“One example of applying what I learned was becoming more confident in identifying changes in an older person’s condition and escalating concerns appropriately. The program reinforced the importance of early recognition, communication and critical thinking, which I now apply regularly in my everyday practice.”

As residents present with increasingly complex care needs, supporting nurses to recognise deterioration, make informed clinical decisions and communicate effectively is critical to delivering safe, high-quality care. Structured transition programs not only build clinical capability but also contribute to workforce confidence, retention and long-term career development.

Ilksen believes the program’s success lies in its relevance to the realities of aged care nursing.

“What I found most valuable was how relevant the content was for working in aged care. The sessions reflected real clinical situations and provided learning that could easily be applied in practice. I also greatly appreciated the educators, mentors and the wider Ageing Australia team. They were approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in helping participants succeed.”

She also acknowledges the support of her employer throughout her professional journey.

“Benetas has always been supportive of my professional growth over the years, and I am grateful for the opportunities and encouragement I have received throughout my journey,” she said.

As the aged care sector continues to grow its nursing workforce, programs such as the Aged Care Transition to Practice Program provide providers with a practical way to support workforce capability, strengthen retention and create meaningful career pathways for nurses.

Ageing Australia is currently inviting providers to participate in upcoming ACTTP intakes and explore how the program can support the development of confident, capable aged care nurses within their organisations.

nursing.ageingaustralia.asn.au/profile-details/0/19165/aged-care-transition-to-practice-program

Ageing Australia’s Nursing Transition to Practice programs are proudly funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.