An ageing global population places increasing humanitarian and financial loads on government, health and welfare agencies; necessitating change and innovation to meet and manage clinical and physically complex needs and demands. Australian residential aged care has been influenced by these international and jurisdictional socio-political forces. This thesis aims to inform healthcare professionals and others about Australian aged care registered nurse (RN) decision-making processes, as well as convey understanding of the responsibilities and contextual influences upon RNs working in this sector and scope of practice according to their professional responsibilities..
