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Author	What a the job prospects in Aged Care??
Tiger30 (offline) Joined: Nov 2009 Location: Posts: 3	Mon Dec 14, 2009 3:12 pm Hi there to everybody I have enroled in the Cert 3 in Aged Care for next year to start in Feb 2010.I'm just wondering what a the job prospects in the career and expected salary as I herd it is pretty low?? and if it's worth me changeing jobs and doing the course .I currently work full time and have been at the place for 7 years ,but want a change of job and career and the aged care field has always interested me and I took the step and enrolled in the course, but I want to make sure that the prospects a good first.I have had a look on a few job sites and there seems to be a few jobs for more nurses in aged care places.A couple of weeks ago I herd on a radio station that there is a big need for aged care workers in the industry as there is a massive shortage.Any advise would be great thanks.

nursemcgerk (offline) Joined: Dec 2009 Location: capalaba, brisbane Posts: 24	Dec 14, 2009, 08:47 pm hi there, i have just completed the cert III in aged care, I loved it as i want to do the diploma of nursing next year. I think there seems to be phases when there are loads of jobs and then there seems to be a lull then the same again, jobs galore then none. I am looking for community care work as i can't do the shifts because i have 3 small kiddies. I think the pay can start around $17+ ph depending on experience. I find that you have to be a bit flexible also with the shifts etc. I think it's well worth doing the course as it can open a lot of doors for you eg AIN, personal carer, community carer, pathway to nursing etc, i just love the nursing side of it and i'm excited about doing the nursing next year although a little nervous being 35 but then we can only try can't we. I wish you the best of luck in the course, you will enjoy it

Tiger30 (offline) Joined: Nov 2009 Location: Posts: 3	Dec 15, 2009, 03:37 pm Thanks for the advise.

gizjiz (offline) Joined: Aug 2009 Location: Posts: 122	Dec 27, 2009, 04:33 pm Yes have to agree with nursemcgerk.. Either a feast or an famine with the advertised jobs.. I finished my course a fortnight a go I know that time of year being Xmas.. I have done the rounds of nursing homes physically handing in my cv and letter.. And it depends on your location.. I noticed Melbourne has the highest amount of jobs advertised.. A lot of community care jobs on offer. Also depends on the hours you want to work as it seems to be a part time.. As I mentioned in another post between 20 and 70 hrs a fortnight , As my educator did advise us if you are thinking $$$$$ forget age care nursing.. I did hear of a pc where I did my placement is working at her local RSL she can't get the extra shifts.. In what feedback I can give is You really want to do age care.. your not in it for the money . It is challenging. Phsically demanding. Oh so rewarding, I am now working as a volunteer til I find employment.. I wish you good luck with your course..

enigma (offline) Joined: May 2009 Location: Posts: 72	Jan 14, 2010, 07:00 pm I completed the course in September and haven't really tried to get a job yet. I have however, browsed all the adds and not come across a single vacancy in my area that doesn't require between 1-5 yrs experience. I think it's a bit of an exaggeration that there is such a shortage. Where are all these jobs? At the place I did my 120 hours work experience, there were quite a number of staff who said they get only one shift a fortnight or none. I really need regular hours, a permanent job as I have kids and childcare is not very flexible. I'd be paying for it whether I have shifts or not. It looks like I will have to try Home and Community Care instead, which I also studied.

Camille (offline) Joined: Jan 2010 Location: NSW Posts: 7	Jan 17, 2010, 12:40 am Hi there! I am located in NSW and there are plenty of jobs in aged care. I find that a lot of jobs aren't advertised so just don't rely on job searches or the paper. Take a list of your local nursing homes down and contact them all by going in and asking to see the Manager. I have experienced that knocking on doors brings better results. As for pay? Well, it's not that crash hot but then again it's an entry position and better paid than others out there.

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What a the job prospects in Aged Care??