Gerontological Nursing Competencies

Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs)

What is the Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs) Programme?

The Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs) is an evidence-based mentorship programme developed to equip registered nurses working in the aged care sector with skills to assist older people in living well across all communities and groups. The two levels of the programme, 'Essential' and 'Enhanced Leadership', are available online combined with workshop (virtual) activities.

What will you gain from completing the GNCs programme?


  • The knowledge and skills required to work effectively with older people and their families.
  • A portfolio of evidence about your essential or enhanced level of specialist practice.
  • A mentor to support and guide you
  • A career pathway for new graduates, early career and experienced Registered and Enrolled Nurses.
  • Qualify for advanced standing or credit towards a postgraduate qualification (for those participants completing their portfolios)
  • Eligible for Continuing Professional Development points
Best Talent Development Program

Best Talent Development Program 2023

We are proud to share that the Gerontological Nursing Competencies program was awarded Winner of the Best Talent Development Program at the OpenLearning Awards 2023!

About the GNCs

The GNCs is an evidence-based mentorship programme for registered nurses working with older people

The Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs) is an evidence-based mentorship programme for registered nurses working with older people. The programme is delivered interactive workshop (virtual) activities complemented with online learning activities. 


There are two courses offered in a sequential pathway: 

  1. Essential GNCs Course
  2. Enhanced Leadership GNCs Course. 

As well as facilitation by gerontological researchers in the workshops and online, every participant is allocated an expert mentor from practice to provide support and guidance throughout the course. 


At the end of the programme, participants will attain specialised gerontological nursing knowledge and skills required to work effectively with older people and their families. The outcome of completing the GNCs programme is a portfolio of evidence for essential or enhanced level of specialist practice. 


The GNCs programme provides a career pathway for new graduates, early career and experienced registered nurses working in community, acute and residential aged care. The evidence in the portfolio will be a combination of work-based and professional development activities.

Delivery 

This course is delivered via virtual workshops, complemented with online learning activities.


Duration

Approximately 90 hours over 6 months.

This course is open to new graduates, early career and experienced registered nurses and, with prior agreement, experienced enrolled nurses. 


A Bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as experience of working with older people in community, acute or aged care settings is required. Proficiency in English is essential as this course is delivered in English.

On completion of this short course and submission of the portfolio, learners may apply for 6 credit points of specified credit (equivalent to one subject) towards a relevant postgraduate award course offered by the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health. 


The specified credit will be for SNPG955 Dementia Care Across Settings or SNPG956 Policy and Practice in the Care of Older People and can be applied to courses such as the Graduate Certificate in Dementia Care or the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Rehabilitation Studies.

On successful completion of the course participants will receive a Certificate of Attainment.

Please contact the GNC team for fee information.

Contact

GNCs Core Competencies

The GNCs consist of 11 core competencies and 33 domains of practice



Explore the GNCs Core Competencies


Find out more by downloading and reading the research summary of developing the GNCs.


GNC Research Summary GNC FAQs GNC Summary Information

Register your interest

For further information or to register your interest

Registered Nurses

Open to new graduate or more experienced registered nurses.


Learn more about the Gerontological Nursing Competencies.


Enhance your skills and knowledge in gerontological nursing through the guidance of an experienced mentor.

Register Now

Organisations

Provide your registered nurses with an evidence-based program to enhance their knowledge and skills in gerontological nursing.


Include the GNCs as part of a new or existing Transition to Practice Programme.



Register Now

Mentors

Are you an experienced aged care nurse?


Help develop the next generation of aged care nurses.


Learn about the Gerontological Nursing Competencies while providing guidance and support to participants through the five steps of the programme.

Register Now

Course Intakes

Register your interest for a course intake

2024-2025 Intake Dates to be advised.

Testimonials

Skills participants have gained from the course and course activities identified as most beneficial to participants

"I felt a bit privileged to have a mentor ... to enhance my knowledge and expand my vision to move forward in my career."

"They (mentees) are feeling more empowered. I think their self-confidence and self-esteem really improved."

"There's the assessment form. It's based on the position description. Something could be worked into the position desciptions."

"The outcome is beneficial for the client as well... person centred care... Good care."

Follow us

Find out more about the GNCs on our YouTube

ADHERe UOW


Find out how the GNCs can help you meet ACQSC standards and the outcomes from the Royal Commission. Introduced by a Nurse Practitioner.


@adhereuow1366


GNC has received an official commendation from Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (CDNM).


Click here to read more.

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