Facts you should know about general practice nurses in Australia

Most of the time, when we think about nurses, we see them working lengthy shifts at large hospitals. Nursing in general practice is a vibrant, satisfying, and exciting segment of the nursing profession. Meeting the diverse primary care needs of the community, the nursing specialty offers a range of experiences and provides the opportunity to be part of a small clinical team. Nursing in general practice is a transfer from a hospital-based environment to a small business environment rooted in the local community.

General practice nurses work in partnership with general practitioners to offer a wide range of services.

General practice nurses are playing an increasingly important role in providing continuity of care to their patients and enhancing their health outcomes, with a focus on the primary healthcare sector.

Who is a General Practice Nurse?

General practice nurses are nurses employed by GPs in offices, specialist clinics and care homes. They operate in various areas of healthcare. GPNs ought to be experienced specifically in the elderly, adult, child and mental health areas. They are distinct from other types of nurses as they handle diverse areas in a general practice setting.

How to Become a General Practice Nurse in Australia?

Students who want to work as a GPN must first complete and pass a police security check. After that, you can sign up for a bachelor’s program in nursing. You can now register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency after three years (AHPRA). This gives you the ability to perform your tasks as a registered nurse in Australia. Finally, by trying out different specialties, you can hone your talents in a variety of healthcare fields. The more experience you accumulate, the better, because they will enable you to create a strong resume when you apply for GPN jobs.

In Australia, registered nurses have the option of completing various nursing programs to better prepare them to manage various aspects of healthcare. Nursing practice training is available in a variety of areas, including mental health, elderly care, children’s health, and women’s and men’s health. All of these courses equip GPNs to provide the best primary healthcare possible in our nation.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a General Practice Nurse?

There are no set duties assigned to GPN due to the diverseness of their work. They can be performing completely different work on any given day. However, the following are the common tasks and obligations they fulfill:

• They assist with patient assessments by recording measurements and vital signs, as well as updating patient data.
• They administer immunizations.
• They also discuss the results of the doctor’s tests and reminders with the patients.
• They support physicians in simple procedures.
• They assess inventory and place orders for supplies.
• They record patient referrals.
• They organize the patient’s referral to other healthcare providers.

How much does a GPN make on average in Australia?

GPNs earn a range of incomes according to their level of experience, location, and place of employment. But in Australia, a practice nurse makes an average of $79,396 per year. It is advised that you enroll in several nursing courses relevant to the position if you want to earn higher pay as a GPN.

What advantages do general practice nursing offer?

• Flexible scheduling with minimal or no shift work
• Working as a respected team player in a small group
• The capacity to act independently and use a variety of talents
• Possibility of specializing in specific interests
• Establish more lasting and effective patient-healthcare partnerships

What skills are required to work as a practice nurse?

If registration requirements are completed, a nurse does not need to complete any special training before beginning employment in general practice.

However, there are some areas and abilities that will make working in a general practice simpler.

Among these useful abilities are the following:

• Infection Prevention and Control
• Health Assessments
• Chronic Disease Management Plans
• Immunizations

What are some of the non-clinical skills that General Practice Nurses should possess?

In GP offices, practice nurses are taking on broader responsibilities. You must now be able to manage a variety of caseloads efficiently and with a more businesslike attitude. Therefore, in addition to clinical expertise, you need also be knowledgeable in the following non-clinical areas:

• Leadership responsibilities include developing new models and approach to care, seizing chances, coaching new hires, instructing students, and performing evaluations.
• Utilizing technology to aid in the management of health care, particularly in the support of patients with chronic diseases. Electronic System reporting and documentation for healthcare.
• Financial: controlling spending, understanding GP contracts, and understanding how general practice generates income.
• Developing group dialogues and efficient auditing are examples of governance.
• Protection of oneself and others.
• Medical-legal and ethical concerns
• Managing stress and time to prevent burnout

Are you interested in becoming a General Practice Nurse in Australia? If so, contact our experts at MWT Education Consultancy who will help you in fulfilling your dreams of becoming a General Practice Nurse or a health care professional.

Written by
Arunachalam