Gerontological Nursing Competencies

Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs)

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Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs)

Overview

Registered Nurses

Gerontological Nursing Competencies (GNCs)

~90hrs over 6 months

Online with virtual workshops

2025 dates TBA

Fees on request

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.

Learning outcomes

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

About

  • Overview

    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.

  • Entry Requirements

    This course is open to:  

    1. New graduate registered nurses  
    2. Early career registered nurses  
    3. Experienced registered nurses  
    4. Experienced enrolled nurses (with prior agreement)  

    Entry requirements:

    1. A Bachelor’s degree in nursing  
    2. Experience working with older people in community, acute or aged care settings  
    3. Proficiency in English (as the course is delivered in English)

  • Course Fees

    Please contact the GNCs team for fee information.

    Contact us

Learn more

GNCs Core Competencies

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

The core competencies are:

1

Living well for older people across communities and groups

2

Maximising health outcomes

3

Effective communication

4

Facilitating transitions in care

5

Facilitating choices within legal and ethical frameworks

6

Partnering with family carers

7

Promoting mental health and psychological well-being

8

Evidence-based dementia care

9

Pain assessment and optimal pain management

10

Providing palliative care

11

Enabling access to technology

Testimonials

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

GNCs Mentee

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

GNCs Mentor

Changed my way of thinking which has contributed to enhancing my practice and career.

GNCs Mentee

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

GNCs Mentor

Resources

GNCs Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

GNCs Research Publication (PDF)

The development of the Australian gerontological nursing competencies

GNCs Research Summary (PDF)

Gerontological Nursing Competencies: Implementation opportunities

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.

Organisations

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

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

Mentors

Are you an experienced aged care nurse? Help develop the next generation of aged care nurses.

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

Awards & recognition

Best Talent Development Program 2023

The Gerontological Nursing Competencies programme was awarded Winner of the Best Talent Development Program at the OpenLearning Awards 2023.

Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (CDNM)

The Gerontological Nursing Competencies programme has received an official commendation from Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (CDNM).

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