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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.
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.
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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:-
NiGP/Practice Nurse Incentive Program Resources
Healthy Kids Checks/Healthy Start for School
As of the 1st July 2011, children who turn 4 must have a health check performed by either their Child and Maternal Health Clinic or their General Practice. Under this new initiative parents will need to do this to receive the “Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement” for the financial year in which their child turns four.
- The Healthy Kids Check can be performed and claimed using the time based item numbers 701, 703, 705 and 707.
- Item number 715 can be claimed for a health check performed on a 4 year old who is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
- Item number 10986 can be claimed if the Healthy Kids check is performed by a practice nurse.
Resources and Support
Other Resources
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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