The role of nurses in residential aged care facilities

At HillView Care, we’re thankful to have a wonderful team of skilled and experienced staff who work together to ensure every resident receives the care they deserve. From our aged care nurses to care workers, lifestyle team and hospitality staff, each member of our staff plays a big role in creating the HillView community we take so much pride in. 

When it comes to aged care, it takes a team to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our incredible nurses bring clinical expertise, as well as a calm presence, ensuring every resident feels valued and cared for. But what exactly is the role of nurses within an aged care facility? 

Clinical care and health management

The primary role of our HillView Care aged care nurses – both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Enrolled Nurses (ENs) is to manage the health and medical needs of our residents. 

Our nurses: 

• Administer medication.
• Monitor chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, dementia and heart disease.
• Manage wounds and post-surgical care.
• Provide palliative and end-of-life care.
• Coordinate care plans – consulting with resident’s GPs and specialists. 

Many of HillView’s residents have complex health needs, so our nurses continuously monitor, assess and respond with timely care – ensuring each resident receives the support they need to thrive. 

Emotional support

As well as having clinical responsibilities, our nurses provide compassionate emotional and psychological support. We understand moving into residential aged care can be challenging for some residents, with many feeling grief, a loss of independence or isolation. 

By working closely with our residents, our nurses can build meaningful relationships, offer a calming presence in times of stress or illness and provide emotional reassurance, especially to those with dementia or anxiety. 

We truly believe that the connections our nurses build with our residents are vital – the time they take to understand their stories and routines plays an important role in helping them feel safe and respected. 

Communicating with families and health professionals

As a key contact for families, residents and healthcare professionals, our nurses keep families informed of their loved one’s health or care needs, coordinate with GPs, physiotherapists, dietitians and other allied health professionals, and manage and update individual care plans. Our nurses are also advocates for our residents when they need to make decisions about advanced care planning.

Champions for dignity and independence

Passionate about the rights of older Australians, our nurses are guided by the principles of dignity, respected and person-centred care. They encourage independence whenever possible, support daily routines that align with a resident’s lifestyle and values, promote participation in well-being programs and speak up if they believe a resident’s needs aren’t being met. 

Work within a multidisciplinary team

Our nurses work alongside our aged care workers, lifestyle team, hospitality team and allied health providers to ensure holistic care that looks after the emotional, physical and social needs of HillView Care residents. 

The HillView Care difference

At HillView Care, our nurses are caring individuals who know that real aged care is about the residents. They are the quiet champions who not only provide a helping hand, but a listening ear – part of the community that makes HillView Care feel like home.