Who’s working in Aged Care Facilities?
When entering the Australian aged care workforce, it’s important to understand the different roles that keep the system running smoothly. Whether you’re starting as a support worker or aiming to become a registered nurse, each role plays a critical part in providing quality care.
At AA Academy, we train students across all levels of care—from Certificate III/IV support roles to those preparing for Australian nursing registration. This blog explains the key responsibilities, qualifications, and typical pay rates for the three main aged care roles: Support Worker, Enrolled Nurse, and Registered Nurse.
Support Worker – PCW (Personal Care Worker) or PSA (Personal Support Assistant)
Qualification:
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability, or Home & Community)
- Certificate IV in Aging Support
Typical duties:
- Assisting residents with daily living tasks (e.g. showering, toileting, eating)
- Transferring and repositioning residents safely
- Providing emotional and social support
- Reporting changes in a resident’s condition to the nurse on duty
Pay rate:
- $28–$36/hour (depending on experience, shift times, and enterprise agreements)
Support workers are the frontline of care. They spend the most time with residents and are essential to maintaining comfort, dignity, and safety.
Enrolled Nurse (EN)
Qualification:
- Diploma of Nursing
Typical duties:
- Administering medications
- Monitoring vital signs and symptoms
- Wound care and basic clinical procedures
- Supervising support workers and reporting to RNs
- Documenting resident care using electronic systems
Pay rate:
- $34–$45/hour (depending on seniority and shifts)
ENs work under the supervision of RNs but have more medical responsibility than support workers. They act as a bridge between frontline care and clinical oversight.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Qualification:
- Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent overseas qualification + AHPRA registration)
Typical duties:
- Conducting full clinical assessments
- Developing and reviewing care plans
- Managing complex medical conditions
- Leading the team and making decisions in emergencies
- Communicating with doctors, families, allied health, and external agencies
- Supervising ENs and support staff
Pay rate:
- $45–$65+/hour (depending on EBA, night/weekend rates, and seniority)
Registered Nurses hold clinical accountability and leadership roles. They are responsible for ensuring safe and evidence-based care in the facility.
Collaborative Care: Allied Health and GPs in Aged Care
While support workers, ENs, and RNs form the core of daily care, aged care facilities also rely on external professionals to deliver holistic, multidisciplinary support. General Practitioners (GPs) may visit weekly or as needed to manage complex medical issues, adjust medications, or provide specialist referrals. Allied health professionals—such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and dietitians—play a vital role in improving residents’ mobility, communication, nutrition, and independence. Although they are often not employed as permanent staff, these professionals are essential to person-centred care and help ensure that every aspect of a resident’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is addressed.
Effective collaboration between permanent staff and visiting health professionals leads to better health outcomes, reduced hospitalisations, and higher quality of life for residents.
Pathways Through AA Academy
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, AA Academy offers tailored training to help you succeed:
Effective collaboration between permanent staff and visiting health professionals leads to better health outcomes, reduced hospitalisations, and higher quality of life for residents.
Final Thoughts
Aged care is not just a job—it’s a calling. Each role contributes to the wellbeing of our older population in different, meaningful ways. Whether you’re assisting with personal care or managing complex health conditions, there’s room to grow, learn, and lead.
Want to get started in aged care?
AA Academy can guide you from support work all the way to professional nursing registration in Australia.
Contact us today to find the right course for your goals.