Nursing In General Practice
Overview
The Division’s Network Nursing in General Practice (NiGP) Program is the key program under the Australian Government’s Nursing in General Practice Training and Support Initiative. The aims of this initiative are, through the effective employment of practice nurses to:
- Relieve workforce pressure in general practice
- Improve the prevention and management of chronic disease and
- Improve access to, and the quality an integration of patient care.
Objectives
The Brisbane South Division of General Practice NiGP Program objectives are to:
- Build the capacity of the Division to deliver support services for nursing in general practice, in particular to recruit and retain nurses in general practice and;
- Coordinate and deliver quality education and professional development opportunities to general practice nurses.
Program Details
The Nursing in General Practice Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
The State Based Organisation, General Practice Queensland (GPQ) is the jurisdiction base for the network and BSDGP works closely with GPQ and other Division’s in the network to coordinate practice nursing support activity.
BSDGP in particular works closely with the seven South East Queensland Division’s, known collectively for this initiative, as the Urban Workgroup.
General Practice Nurses are core members of the practice and multidisciplinary team. Nursing in General Practice is a dynamic and vibrant area of the nursing profession. There is strong evidence to suggest the benefits that practice nurses bring to the provision of primary care services in general practice.
This includes improved outcomes in chronic disease, improved integration with the acute sector, improved public access, enhanced consumer satisfaction and an increase in the range of services available at the practice.
Program Acheivements
BSDGP employs a number of strategies to achieve the aims of the initiative, especially in respect to supporting Practice Nurses with education and professional development opportunities, recruitment and retention of Nurses in general practice and supporting the enhanced role of the Nurse.
Key achievements:
An Orientation Manual for Nurses in General Practice
This manual is designed to assist and orientate nurses newly employed in the general practice setting, and will also support currently employed nurses. It has been developed in collaboration by BSDGP, SEAGP, and GPLAN.
Mentoring
BSDGP has successfully employed two Nurse Development Officer’s since 2006. Their role is to mentor new and existing practice nurses working in practices within the Division’s catchment. There are many benefits to mentoring for the practice nurse, including sharing knowledge, promoting the practice nurse role and gaining an opportunity to widen professional networks and decrease professional isolation.
Student Nurse Placements in General Practice
BSDGP hosts third year undergraduate students from Griffith University, Nathan Campus School of Nursing and Midwifery. This placement forms part of the student’s curriculum for the “Community Health and Diversity” practicum placement.
Resources
Nursing in General Practice Resources
Links
Nursing in General Practice External Links
Contact Us
Debbie Croyden
Business Systems Coordinator
Email: dcroyden@bsdgp.com.au
Phone: 07 3274 1886