the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

With eight years of nursing experience in India, Jini had always dreamed of working in Australia. “Queensland appealed to me because it has a climate similar to my home region,” she recalls. However, stepping into the Australian aged care system brought a new set of challenges. “I was most concerned about understanding the rules, laws and legal boundaries in the Australian health setting. The culture here is quite different from what I was used to.”

Her curiosity and dedication led her to the Migrant Immersion Program. “I wanted to learn more about the rights of older people and how the aged care environment operates differently from hospitals,” she explains. The program offered an opportunity not just to gain knowledge but to reflect on her own practice and communication.

Jini found the program’s content highly relevant to her day-to-day work. “I used it as a way of self-analysis to see what I already knew and what I needed to work on, particularly around communication,” she shares. Refreshing her understanding of Australian aged care standards, legislation and workplace expectations gave her confidence. “Before coming here, I knew a bit about the health system, but it was invaluable to update my knowledge with recent changes.”

The program also helped Jini adapt her communication style to the Australian context. “There isn’t always a direct translation for some concepts I needed to know,” she says. “The program has helped me change the way I express things, making me feel more confident at work.”

Flexibility was key, especially for those balancing shift work and family commitments. “I completed the program over a couple of months during breaks and at home. It fit perfectly around my schedule,” she notes. Beyond learning, the program fostered a sense of connection. “It’s rare to have a program that explains team dynamics and scope of practice so clearly. I feel supported by my workplace team and the wider aged care sector.”

Her message to other migrant nurses is simple: “The program is wonderful. As nurses, we already know about medicines and procedures, but in Australia, it’s essential to understand the legal aspects and the rights of older people. MIP gives you the fundamentals you need to succeed.”

Ageing Australia’s Migrant Immersion Program is designed to empower international workers to thrive in Australia’s aged care sector. With flexible eLearning, practical insights and support every step of the way, MIP helps you build confidence, adapt to Australian workplace culture and provide the highest standard of care to older Australians.

Organisations can enrol their staff to support workforce development, while nurses can also sign up individually to advance their skills and confidence in aged care.