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Nurses are highly skilled and knowledgeable health professionals who work collaboratively with GPs and other members of the general practice team to provide safe and quality care. There are approximately 118 Practice Nurses employed in 40 general practices across the North of the State.
Roles and functions of the Practice Nurse vary greatly, depending on the specific skill set required by the practice, however the majority of nurses play an integral part in assisting with chronic disease management and may undertake health assessments, immunisations, Pap smears, wound care, identification of patients with risk factors, health promotion, education, sterilisation and assist with the practice’s accreditation requirements.
Benefits that nurses can bring to a practice include:-
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Improved outcomes in chronic disease management.·
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Increased capacity of the GP to see more chronic disease patients.·
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Enhanced practice systems e.g. appointment bookings, billing, recall and review.·
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Improved work satisfaction through working in a multidisciplinary team.·
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Reduction in waiting times.
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Improved health outcomes of patients through screening, prevention, assessment, patient education, management, care planning and reviews.
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Improved access.
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Improved integration with the acute care and community sector.·
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Enhanced patient satisfaction.·
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Increase in the range of services available at the practice.
Financial benefits include:
Practice Incentive Program (PIP) – Practice Nurse Payment. Targets areas where patient access to medical services is limited, such as rural and remote communities and urban areas of workforce shortages.·
MBS items for Practice Nurse Services. A range of MBS items are available including immunisation, wound management, and Pap smears (RRMA 3-7).
Chronic Disease Management and Enhanced Primary Care. Practice nurses are able to assist GPs with health assessments and chronic disease management services including, Asthma Management Plans, Diabetes Cycle of Care, GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements.
General Practice North supports Nurses through the provision of:-
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Bimonthly Practice Nurse Networking Meetings. These networking meetings provide an opportunity for practice nurses to come together informally to share ideas and network whilst also incorporating a formal one hour’s educational activity on chronic disease management which has been accredited by Royal College of Nursing. Dates for 2010 are:
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23rd February
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20th April
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15th June
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Access to a variety of education and professional development opportunities based on identified needs. See CPD calendar.
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Ensuring up-to-date information and expertise with regard to issues pertinent to nursing in general practice.
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Access to ongoing professional support.
Educational Opportunities
Web Resources
Contact
| Name: |
Jan Dawkins |
| Position: |
Program Officer |
| Email: |
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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| Phone: |
(03) 6331 9296 |
| Fax: |
(03) 6334 2443 |
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