Empowering a culturally and linguistically diverse aged care nursing workforce
Tracks
Track 1
| Thursday, July 24, 2025 |
| 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM |
| Royal Theatre |
Overview
Presenter: Judith Smith MACN
Speaker
Mrs Judith Smith MACN
Director Professional Development
Australian College of Nursing
Empowering a culturally and linguistically diverse aged care nursing workforce
1:40 PM - 2:00 PMAbstract
Introduction
The Australian aged care sector is characterized by a diverse workforce, with 35% of nurses and 29.8% of residents identifying as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) (Australian Government, 2020). CALD nurses, particularly internationally qualified nurses, are frequently positioned as a solution to the aged care staffing crisis. However, this diversity presents challenges, as CALD nurses often face language and cultural barriers when adapting to the Australian healthcare system, while CALD residents struggle to express care preferences and navigate services. Communication and cultural differences further exacerbate the stress experienced by CALD nurses during their transition into the workforce (Sheehy et al., 2023).
Results
This presentation will highlight the success of an Aged Care Transition to Practice Program (ACTTP), a national initiative designed to address these challenges by fostering a culturally competent and inclusive workforce. The ACTTP program provides new nurses with comprehensive support, mentorship, and professional development, with a strong focus on cultural competency. By equipping nurses to meet the cultural needs of both residents and colleagues, the program ensures that the workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
The ACTTP has empowered CALD nurses by enhancing their leadership, communication, and cultural awareness. Through identifying and promoting inclusivity and respect for cultural differences, the program helps nurses build the confidence and skills necessary to deliver culturally sensitive care. Results from the program align with research by Xiao et al. (2020), demonstrating the positive impact of nurse-led cross-cultural programs on improving cultural competence.
Conclusion
Data from the ACTTP program has demonstrated improved care outcomes, higher job satisfaction, and reduced turnover, thereby addressing workforce shortages. By cultivating a culturally competent workforce, the program has also played a crucial role in improving care for CALD residents and equipping the aged care sector to meet the diverse needs of Australia’s aging population.
The Australian aged care sector is characterized by a diverse workforce, with 35% of nurses and 29.8% of residents identifying as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) (Australian Government, 2020). CALD nurses, particularly internationally qualified nurses, are frequently positioned as a solution to the aged care staffing crisis. However, this diversity presents challenges, as CALD nurses often face language and cultural barriers when adapting to the Australian healthcare system, while CALD residents struggle to express care preferences and navigate services. Communication and cultural differences further exacerbate the stress experienced by CALD nurses during their transition into the workforce (Sheehy et al., 2023).
Results
This presentation will highlight the success of an Aged Care Transition to Practice Program (ACTTP), a national initiative designed to address these challenges by fostering a culturally competent and inclusive workforce. The ACTTP program provides new nurses with comprehensive support, mentorship, and professional development, with a strong focus on cultural competency. By equipping nurses to meet the cultural needs of both residents and colleagues, the program ensures that the workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
The ACTTP has empowered CALD nurses by enhancing their leadership, communication, and cultural awareness. Through identifying and promoting inclusivity and respect for cultural differences, the program helps nurses build the confidence and skills necessary to deliver culturally sensitive care. Results from the program align with research by Xiao et al. (2020), demonstrating the positive impact of nurse-led cross-cultural programs on improving cultural competence.
Conclusion
Data from the ACTTP program has demonstrated improved care outcomes, higher job satisfaction, and reduced turnover, thereby addressing workforce shortages. By cultivating a culturally competent workforce, the program has also played a crucial role in improving care for CALD residents and equipping the aged care sector to meet the diverse needs of Australia’s aging population.
Biography
Judith Smith is the Director of Professional Development at the Australian College of Nursing. In addition to being the primary figure overseeing the Aged Care Transition to Practice Program, Judith leads several other national nursing initiatives through ACN. Her passion lies in enhancing the capacity of the nursing workforce by actively engaging nurses across all levels. Judith's approach involves challenging and empowering nurses to achieve professional and personal growth, enabling them to emerge as leaders in their field. This commitment is evident in her successful career, which has spanned nursing education and clinical, tertiary, and corporate settings.
Beyond her role, Judith has contributed nationally and internationally to curriculum design. She actively participates in state and national working parties and advisory groups to enhance service performance and patient outcomes. Judith's influence extends to her contributions to various publications, including peer-reviewed journals and as a chapter author in professional textbooks.
