Background: Rural aged care facilities face significant nursing shortages, exacerbated by an ageing population and an anticipated deficit of 123,000 registered nurses in Australia by 2023. These shortages disproportionately affect geographically isolated communities, where cultural diversity and workforce inclusion are critical to ensuring high-quality, person-centred care. This presentation examines the impact of policy and workforce innovations on recruitment and retention of registered nurses in rural aged care with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published over the last 15 years was conducted across PubMed, CINALH, and Scopus databases, focusing on rural aged care workforce challenges. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies that explored barriers and enablers to recruitment and retention, including geographical isolation, cultural competency, and structural workforce limitations.

Results: Four key themes emerged from the data: Job characteristics, Culture and Structure, Governance, and Sector-wide impacts. Enablers included professional autonomy, leadership opportunities, and a culturally inclusive workplace. Challenges included legislative constraints, workforce shortages, and a lack of professional development. Policies promoting workforce diversity, such as targeted recruitment of culturally and linguistically diverse nurses and indigenous health practitioners were found to enhance workforce stability and community engagement.

Discussion: Tailored recruitment workforce models that enhance career pathways for underrepresented groups, and fostering strong community ties, are essential for addressing rural workforce shortages. Financial incentives alone are insufficient: sustainable solutions must integrate inclusive workplace cultures, mentorship programs, and structural support to retain diverse nursing professionals in rural aged care.

Conclusion: Building an inclusive rural aged care nursing workforce requires evidenced-based strategies that align policy innovation with workforce diversity. By fostering a culture of inclusion and supporting professional and personal needs, rural aged care facilities can attract and retain nurses who reflect and understand the communities in which they live and practice.