Project Officer: Julie McLean
Phone: 8752 4905

For the Practice:

Nurses are highly skilled and knowledgeable health professionals who work collaboratively with GPs and other members of the practice team, to provide safe and quality care.

Recognised benefits nurses can bring to general practice include:

• Improved outcomes in chronic disease
• An increase in the range of service available at the practice
• Reduction in waiting times
• Improved public access
• Improved integration with the acute sector
• Enhanced consumer satisfaction

Need some assistance with recruitment and orientation of a practice nurse? Go to the AGPN Nurse Recruit website to access a fantastic resource including templates for job descriptions, and contracts, orientation guides and support materials for both practices and practice nurses.

For the Practice Nurse:

Nursing in General practice is a dynamic and vibrant area of the nursing profession. In general practice you will be a core member of general practice teams, providing significant benefits to the provision of primary health services.

Benefits for the nurse:

• Flexible working arrangements with little or no shift work
• Working as a valued member of a small team
• Ability to be self directed and utilise many skills
• Opportunity to specialise in areas of interest
• Access to a range of postgraduate programs designed specifically for general practice nurses

Publications and Resources available:

• APNA 2010 Salary and Conditions Survey Results- a summary of results from the APNA 2010 Salary and Conditions Survey
• Australian Nursing Federation Position Statement- ANF Position Statement for Nurses working in general practice
• Practice Nurse Items and Attendances January 2011- CSGPN Guide to Practice Nurse Items January 2011
• New Practice Nurse Incentive Program Guidelines- beginning on 1st January 2012
• Nurse Award 2010 Fair Work Australia

Links:

• Nursing Recruitment Orientation Guide 2010
• Australian Practice Nurses Association
• GP NSW NiGP Resources
• Australian General Practice Network
• Practice Nurse Competency Standards
• Nurse Practitioner Competency Standards
• Advanced Registered Nurses Competency Standards
• Royal College of Nursing Australia- Nurse Info Website
• Australian Nursing Federation- Policies, Positions Statements and Guidelines
• Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Practice Nurse Incentive Program Ready Reckoner
• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia- Professional Indeminity Insurance Arrangements Registration Standard

If you require further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact Julie McLean