Nursing in General Practice

Primary Health Care Nurses

Research within the Australian general practice setting describes the following roles of Primary Health Care Nurses as:

  • patient carer
  • organiser
  • quality controller
  • improvement agent
  • problem solver
  • educator and agent of connectivity.

Another key consideration is how the Practice Nurse can complement other health care providers within the integrated health care team by working to the full scope of their practice. The nurse’s role can include health promotion, disease prevention, palliative care, advocacy, research, policy planning and development, education for health professionals and patients, amongst other clinical tasks. The nurse role is ideally suited to developing quality and safety systems embedded within accreditation activities.


Nurse Practitioners

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse with the experience, expertise and authority to diagnose and treat people of all ages with a variety of acute or chronic health conditions. NPs have completed additional university study at Master’s degree level and are the most senior and independent clinical nurses in our health care system. 

The title "Nurse Practitioner" can only be used by a person who has been endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

National standards for practice ensure that Nurse Practitioners are capable of providing high quality, patient centred care. They are also capable in clinical research, education and leadership as applied to clinical care and health service development.

Resources for nurses working in General Practice

HealthPathways

HealthPathways WA is a secure, online portal that includes information and resources to support health professionals.
 

Accessing HealthPathways

To register for login details, submit the online form or email the team at healthpathways@wapha.org.au

 

HealthPathways Desktop Icon

To install the HealthPathways WA desktop icon, please follow the instructions 

General resources

Immunisation resources

MBS resources

PRODA & AIR Resources

Audiology – Hearing loss

Asthma

Spirometry

Ear Syringing

ECG

Education

Practice Assist acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders of this country and recognises the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values and beliefs and how these contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community.

Disclaimer
While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.