For the Practice:

Nurses are highly skilled and knowledgeable health professionals, who work collaboratively with the general practitioner 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 http://www.agpn.com.au/nigprecruit/ 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 available:

• Nursing in General Practice: A guide Information directed at practices considering recruiting a practice nurse.
• Practice Nurse Activity list GP activities and MBS numbers for Practice Nurse items & other items
• Business Case study metropolitan-details - provides detail on business benefits of Practice nurses:
• Large urban practice
• Small urban practice
• Solo urban practice
• Information for Patients (NiGP)- brochure suitable for display in waiting areas to inform of nurses role in the practice
• Information for Nurses (NiGP)- brochures for nurses interested in becoming a practice nurse
• Information for General Practice (NiGP)- brochure for practices interested in recruiting a practice nurse

Nursing in General Practice information can also be found at the following websites:

• Australian Practice Nurses Association
• GP NSW
• Australian General Practice Network
• Practice Nurse Competency Standards

If you require further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact Helene Walsh.