It’s well known that Australia is experiencing a severe shortage of aged care nurses, especially in rural and remote areas.

In response, the Federal Government has invested $31.2 million to develop a new virtual nursing framework designed to support aged care providers.

The initiative will be trialled in 30 residential aged care facilities, with a focus on rural and remote communities, as well as facilities supporting First Nations people and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

The project commenced this month and will run until 30 June 2027. It aims to assess how virtual nursing services can supplement existing aged care practices.

The program will be evaluated by La Trobe University, assessing its impact on clinical outcomes, workforce sustainability and service delivery. The findings will inform future decisions on integrating virtual nursing into aged care settings.

So, what are the benefits and challenges of implementing virtual nursing in aged care?

What is virtual nursing in aged care?

Virtual nursing involves remote consultations between aged care residents and healthcare professionals. Virtual nursing enables residents to access a wide range of doctors and specialists, all while remaining in their own homes. This can avoid the need to visit an emergency department for a consultation.

In residential aged care facilities, virtual consultations will often be provided on a dedicated smartphone or tablet. This allows the facility to video call the virtual nursing team, who will then provide a consultation.

What are the benefits of virtual nursing in aged care?

Virtual nursing can offer many benefits, including:
• Increased access for rural and remote areas: Virtual nursing can allow aged care residents to receive access to high-quality care without the need to travel.
• Access to specialist care: Virtual nursing can allow aged care residents access to specialised services that may not be available in their area. Therefore, virtual nursing can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary hospitalisations.
• More timely access to services: Virtual nursing care can help aged care residents receive care when they need it.
• More choice: Virtual nursing can provide aged care residents with more choice on the type of care they receive and how they receive it.

What are the challenges of virtual nursing in aged care?

However, aged care facilities face several challenges when implementing virtual nursing. These include:
• Internet connectivity: Many aged care facilities, especially those in rural or remote areas may lack access to quality internet connections.
• Lack of equipment: Some aged care facilities may lack the technology required to use virtual nursing services. To help overcome this challenge, the initiative will include supplying high-quality equipment to facilities that don’t already have it. It will also include training for staff on how to use this equipment.
• Lack of acceptance: Older Australians will not always have a great understanding of technology. Therefore, they may struggle to accept virtual nursing as a legitimate form of care. Additionally, residents’ families may also struggle to accept virtual nursing.

Importantly, there will always be circumstances where physical examination is required, meaning that virtual nursing will not always be the most appropriate method of care.

While not a replacement for face-to-face care, virtual nursing can offer many benefits for aged-care residents.

With the sector experiencing severe staffing shortages, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in aged care.

If you are considering a career in aged care, Aged Care Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services, including our aged care resume and cover letter writing service.

Article References 

Aged Care Guide (29 November 2022) ‘Virtual nursing in aged care – what does that look like?’, Aged Care Guide, accessed 31 March 2025.

Hellocare (20 March 2025) ‘Government invests $31.2 million in virtual nursing for aged care’, Hellocare, accessed 31 March 2025.

Lloyd-Jones, K (25 March 2025) ‘Virtual nursing trial for rural, remote care homes‘, Australian Aging Agenda, accessed 31 March 2025.