Clinical facilitators play a critical leadership role in shaping the future of aged care by mentoring student nurses during their practical placements. As frontline leaders, these experienced professionals guide and inspire the next generation of nurses, instilling the values, skills, and knowledge needed to excel in aged care. This abstract explores the leadership responsibilities of clinical facilitators, emphasizing their role in fostering a culture of learning and professional development. By modelling best practices, providing real-time feedback, and encouraging reflective practice, clinical facilitators help student nurses develop the clinical and leadership competencies essential for aged care. Their mentorship goes beyond technical skill-building, as they also nurture critical thinking, empathy, and resilience—qualities that are essential for future leaders in a challenging and evolving sector. By serving as role models and mentors, clinical facilitators are pivotal in ensuring that the aged care workforce is prepared to meet the demands of an aging population with innovation, compassion, and excellence in care delivery.

• APNA Model
• Ongoing education provided to ensure quality facilitators
• Examples of quality facilitation
• Feedback from APNA placements