SWSPHN has a team of passionate registered nurses who support general practice in a wealth of ways. Do you know how we can help improve patient care at your practice? Find out more in this special feature which celebrates International Year of the Nurse and of the Midwife.
Primary care nurses do so much more than meets the eye.
They care for, support and advocate on behalf of their patients. They assist patients to understand their current health conditions and how to manage them, and educate patients about disease prevention and health promotion. They are problem solvers. They connect patients with clinicians and services. Most importantly, they are there to listen.
These highly-skilled healthcare professionals enhance the multidisciplinary team care approach and allow GPs to spend more time caring for their patients. Practice nurses help improve outcomes in chronic disease, increase the range of services available at the practice, reduce waiting times, and improve public access and integration with the acute sector.
The World Health Assembly has designated 2020 International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife to recognise and celebrate the vital role of nurses worldwide.
Our dedicated team of registered nurses have first-hand experience in general practice and are passionate about supporting the 360 practice nurses employed in 190 general practices across our region.
Our Practice Nursing Program aims to strengthen our general practice workforce to improve access to services and provide quality, evidence-based primary care to patients.
We do this through promotion of continuing professional development (CPD) events, mentoring, telephone support, and face-to-face education and training in areas including orientation, preventive health screening, clinical activities, MBS billing, clinical software training, chronic disease management, care planning, health assessments, immunisation and infection control/sterilisation.
In 2020, we are also offering the New to General Practice Nursing Program, one of only two programs of its kind in Australia.
The 12-month program aims to upskill new graduates, returning and transitioning nurses to ensure our practice nurse workforce is well prepared for the challenging and diverse role. It provides self-directed online access to education resources and in-house support and mentoring by our dedicated team.
There will be two intakes, the first this month (February) and the next in June. To find out more, read this factsheet or email clinicalsupport@swsphn.com.au.
To find out more about our Practice Nursing Program or for additional resources.
New practice nurses invited to register for support and education program
Are you a newly registered nurse or are you moving into general practice from other healthcare sectors?
SWSPHN may be able to provide you with structured support and education within the clinical setting which will help you transition into your new role.
We are offering the New to General Practice Nursing Program in 2020. We’ll be having two intakes this year – the first THIS MONTH, FEBRUARY and the next in June.
The free, 12-month program provides self-directed online access to education resources and in-house support and mentoring by our dedicated Clinical Support team.
To find out more, read this factsheet or email clinicalsupport@swsphn.com.au.