Nursing in General Practice

Nursing in General Practice

Welcome to the online Nursing in General Practice platform which is designed to assist practice nurses by providing easy access to a range of educational opportunities, useful information, and valuable resources.

If you require additional support or guidance on Nursing in General Practice, please contact the Practice QI Coaches and Primary Care Navigators, via the Practice Assist Help Desk on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478) or 08 6278 7900 or via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au


Quick Guide

Overview

General practice nurses

General practice nurses are central to delivering holistic, patient-centred care in all life stages across metro and regional settings. Guided by the Quintuple Aim, nurses support improved health outcomes, patient experience, cost-efficiency, workforce well-being, and equity.  

As key members of multidisciplinary teams, they promote continuity of care and build trusted relationships with patients and families. The nurse’s role can include health promotion, disease prevention, palliative care, advocacy, research, policy planning and development, education and a range of other clinical tasks.

In Western Australia, general practice nurses are key enablers to improving health outcomes. Their clinical expertise is strengthened by data driven approaches that support evidenced-based provision of care, continuous quality improvement and informed decision-making.

Practice nurses contribute to developing quality and safety systems embedded within accreditation activities. Through ongoing professional development and collaboration, general practice nurses help shape responsive, measurable care that meets the evolving health needs of their communities. 

Education

Practice nurse specific education is available from many sources including:

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.

Clinical support

Advance care planning

Child and maternal health

Clinician Assist

Continence assistance

Ear health

Emergency care

IV infusions / injectables / cosmetic

Medications

Palliative care

Respiratory

Sexual health

Women's health

Wound management

Culturally safe and inclusive resources

Aboriginal health

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD)

Disability

LGBTIQI+

Socio-economic disadvantage

Digital health

Digital health

Primary Sense / Primary Care Reporting Portal (PCRP)

Care of older adults

Community based care of older adults

Residential aged care

Preventative health

Cancer screening

Chronic condition management

Immunisation

Well-being for practice nurses

Infection prevention and control (IPC)

Lifestyle / health coaching

Non-clinical

Accreditation

Emergency response management

MyMedicare / Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)

Practice management

Provider Digital Access (PRODA) / Health Professional Online Services (HPOS)

Quality improvement (QI)

WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA)

Mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD)

Alcohol and other drugs (AOD)

Mental health

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.