We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands across which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection – both physical and spiritual – to land, sea and sky.

Strengthening care for older people through specialist nursing skills

Seven local practice nurses completed specialist gerontological nursing training through a COORDINARE-funded program, building the skills and confidence to better support older people living with complex and chronic health conditions.

The Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNC) program combines nationally recognised training with structured mentoring to strengthen person-centred care in general practice.

The training enhanced nurses’ ability to identify risks early, coordinate care and support healthy ageing, helping older people remain independent and connected to their communities for longer. 

Delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast, the GNC Aged Care Transition to Practice (ACTTP) program is strengthening the primary care workforce to meet the growing needs of older people across South Eastern NSW.

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In our community, many older people live with multiple chronic conditions, increasing frailty, limited access to specialist services and the challenges that come with ageing in rural areas. The GNC program has provided me with the knowledge, confidence and clinical skills to better support these patients within the primary care setting through evidence-based, person-centred care.

Mellissa Jackson

Registered Nurse in Shoalhaven

Working in a rural GP clinic often means practice nurses play a broad and vital role in coordinating care and supporting patients who may have limited access to specialist services. Since completing the GNC program, I have become a stronger advocate for my older patients by ensuring their preferences, dignity and goals remain central to every care plan… Overall, the GNC program has transformed my approach to caring for older adults. It has increased my confidence, expanded my clinical capability and reinforced the value of person-centred, preventative care within rural general practice.

Mellissa Jackson

Registered Nurse in Shoalhaven

This initiative demonstrates that the Gerontological Nursing Competencies are relevant for practice nurses and the outcomes will be used to improve the health and wellbeing of older people in the local practices where upskilled practice nurses work.

Professor Victoria Traynor

Director of the GNC Programme