Strengthening Medication Practices in Residential Aged Care Grants Program

The program supports non-government providers to implement Victoria's medication administration reforms by building nursing capability and increasing nursing supply across the sector.

'Non-government providers' refer to non-Victorian Government funded providers including private, community, charity, religious and local government organisations. In addition, non-government providers include standalone Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services run by non-government organisations.

An expression of interest application is now open for funding through 2 grant streams:

1. Graduate nurse opportunities
2. Care worker-to-enrolled nurse pathway opportunities

1. Graduate nurse opportunities

Funding contribution of $48,000 per position is available to support graduate registered nurse opportunities in residential aged care.

Funding can be used for:

• Graduate registered nurse positions
• Clinical educator, preceptor or supervising nurse positions to support graduate nurses
• Clinical educator positions (or equivalent) to establish or strengthen graduate nurse programs.

Grant applications will be assessed on the quality of proposed clinical support and supervision arrangements, learning and development opportunities, and approaches to supporting graduate wellbeing and retention.

While not a requirement, providers will be encouraged to consider opportunities for graduates to gain experience across a range of care settings (such as rotations involving acute, primary or community care).

Successful providers will be expected to create supportive learning environments for graduates, including structured learning, bedside clinical supervision, mentoring and professional development opportunities that support nurses to build capability and confidence in aged care.

2. Care worker-to-enrolled nurse pathway opportunities

Funding contribution of $25,000 per care worker is available to support personal care workers and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers already employed in residential aged care to undertake nursing studies.

Funding can be used for:

• Additional paid study leave (including for exams, clinical placements, study)
• Study-related resources and consumables.

Recognising it can take 2 years to complete a Diploma of Nursing, providers can apply for one or 2-year funding for a care worker (i.e. $25,000 per care worker per year). Funding will be administered annually.

Grant applications will be assessed on how funding will support care workers to successfully complete nursing studies and the provider's intention to support participants to transition into nursing roles on completion of their qualification.

Successful providers will be expected to create supportive learning environments for care workers undertaking their nursing studies. This includes providing practical workplace support such as flexible study leave, mentoring and other support as appropriate.