With increasing pressures on the skilled nursing workforce, strategies need to be developed to maximise the value of the existing workforce without impacting on the quality of care delivery. This paper reports on the introduction of a Commonwealth and State subsidised program for assistants-in-nursing (AINs) to assist in addressing the global nursing shortage. The program - which has included education sessions with registered nurses about the role of the AIN, delegation and supervision, and has also sustained support to the participants throughout the duration of their employment - has delivered benefits locally to the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) and, broadly, to the nursing profession. Most of the participants completing the program have chosen to continue their employment at PAH or pursue further studies in nursing.