Current Activities of NiGP Program

The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) endorses the important role general practice nurses have and will continue to work closely with the Network and other key stakeholders to support the recruitment and retention of nurses into general practice. Some undertakings include:

Publication of the National Practice Nurse Survey Report 2007, the only comprehensive national information and statistics of the general practice nurse workforce. The 2007 survey results revealed a 59% increase (n7824) in the number of practice nurses employed in general practice 2005-2007, with 58% of general practices nationally employing one or more nurses. This survey is being repeated in 2009, with the report to be published in early 2010.

2009 National Practice Nurse Workforce Survey Report

2009 National Practice Nurse Workforce Survey – Supplemental Report
Publication of the final report for the Australian General Practice Nurse Study a three year research project led by the Australian National University in partnership with AGPN. The study findings will provide significant evidence to inform policy and to assist general practice networks to support and develop the role for nurses as part of the general practice team.
AGPN hosted the third National Divisions Nursing in General Practice Forum on 4-5^th March in Melbourne. The forum was attended by over 150 delegates representing 107 member organisations across Australia and provided an opportunity to sharing knowledge and experience, showcasing leading projects, to build the capacity of the network to continue to support nursing in general practice.
Development of a national entry level orientation program for nurses new to general practice. This program has been designed to provide practice nurses with the knowledge and baseline skills they need to deliver high quality and safe health care services, and to enhance retention rates. The training package has been developed and prepared by expert professionals. The course content includes four modules: professional practice, collaborative practice, provision of clinical practice and the management of clinical care. The program has been designed to be delivered via the network as a two-day workshop, utilising specialist presenters to deliver the course content. The package has also been developed in electronic on-line format for those nurses who are unable to access a face-to-face workshop.
Development and delivery of an e-Learning Training Package for practice nurses and registered Aboriginal Health Workers, to enhance their role in chronic disease care under Medicare Item 10997. This project was undertaken in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing, Australia & Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education. The training package includes a foundation module focused on care planning and patient management, lifestyle counselling, cultural sensitivity and practice systems; and seven disease specific modules in asthma, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, arthritis, dementia and chronic kidney disease.
Development of a comprehensive Nursing in General Practice Orientation and Recruitment Resource. This comprehensive resource provides information for: general practices wishing to recruit and orientate a practice nurse, for nurses new to general practice and for newly appointed Network program officers
Production of a set of comprehensive guidelines for student nurse placement in general practice. The guide was developed to provide the general practice team, student nurses, general practice networks and universities with information, resources, and a framework to provide a consistent approach and quality experience for student nurses during clinical placement in general practice.
AGPN provides that national coordination and moderation for the University of the Sunshine Coast – Graduate Certificate Nursing (General Practice). This innovative program provides the opportunity for practice nurses to undertake the first three courses of a four course program, through the support of their local general practice network member. The program is provided at minimal cost in a supported environment via external studies. This year twelve network members across Australia have been involved in supporting the graduate program to over 90 practice nurses.