Stability in Aged Care work - is it possible???

Hi Sisterhood!

I currently work as an Assistant in Nursing/Personal Carer in residential aged care. I lost a lot of permanent hours last year due to internal changes beyond my control, and am struggling to have management assist in adding more hours to my permanent roster. I work 8 days a fortnight, which sounds good in theory, but most of my shifts are of 4 hours duration, which monopolises my available time to either work or do life.

I am thinking of upskilling, though not necessarily sure I would like to go as far as Enrolled Nurse and lose the degree of direct resident contact I currently enjoy.

I would be interested in work as a Lifestyle Assistant, which would keep me in contact with residents, but wonder if there is much work to take home and prepare in your own time? Can anybody who has made the change comment on the chances of more employment stability as a Lifestyle Assistant? Also, if anybody can comment on which providers offer Certificate IV in Leisure and Health & costs involved?

Thank you!