Lou Pascuzzi, CEO TLC Healthcare, says it’s “outrageous” that some providers won’t meet the July 2023 24/7 RN deadline when they’ve had 18 months to prepare for it, and have been accepting the associated funding since October 2022.
Having 24/7 RNs is “clinically necessary” to provide a suitable level of care to residents and also acts as support for other staff, he said.
He said providers not able to implement 24/7 RNs might be better off out of the sector.
“Providers are exposing their inability to operate in the current climate, but high standards are what our aged care residents need and deserve,” Lou said.
“Perhaps more providers should consider whether they have the ability to operate in the sector.”
Graeme Prior, Deputy Chair of the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council, supports 24/7 RNs.
Graeme Prior, Deputy Chair ACWIC, Co-Founder and CEO Hall & Prior
“There is a clear need to have an RN on staff 24/7,” he said, and recommended ACWIC’s workforce planning tool to help providers appropriately plan their workforces.
The nurse’s union, the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF), is also backing 24/7 RNs, saying it will help create a work environment nurses are inspired to work in.
ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler
“ANMF members have told us that with legislated requirements for RN 24/7 and mandated care minutes in place, accompanied by a wage increase, they will return to work in the sector,” said ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler.
