Module 1: Whats good about working in general practice



Learning Objectives

At the completion of this module the participant will have:
  • Increased knowledge of how your practice can benefit  patients
  • Understanding how your contribution to the  practice team can add value to the  business
  • Knowledge of where to go for support

The world of General Practice

As stated previously Nursing in general practice is a dynamic and vibrant area of the nursing profession.  It offers a diverse range of experiences and provides the opportunity to be part of a clinical team caring for the varied primary care needs of the community.

Here are two nurses who work in general practice discussing the good and more challenging aspects of the role.


 

As you heard from the two featured nurses, nursing in general practice is diverse and interesting.  Here are some of the services provided by nurses working in general practice (AGPN 2006)

Roles for nurses in general practice

Providing clinical nursing services

  • triage
  • assessment (including health assessments of people over 75 years)
  • therapeutic care and treatment
  • wound care
  • diagnostic services
  • clinical management

Coordinating patient services through

  • networking with allied services
  • integrated service delivery
  • sustaining continuity of care
  • planning and management of care (working with GPs in care planning activities)
  • providing information and feedback between services, paitents and GPs
  • patient advocacy

Managing the clinical environment by assisting general practice to meet relevant standards and legislative requirements in:

    • infection control and sterilisation
    • cold chain monitoring
    • records management
    • occupational health and safety
    • accreditation processes
    • maintenance of medical supplies

Promoting patient carer and community well being through

  • health information
  • education
  • specific programs
  • community development
  • self care

Sustaining general practice by contributing to better management of human and material resources through

    • optimising the use of professional resources
    • building the practice base
    • building practice capacity to adapt to change
    • maximising financial efficiency

Improving health outcomes by contributing to and enhancing the management and prevention of ill health through

  • health screening
  • immunisation
  • register and recalls
  • patient education
  • outreach services
  • systems management
  • acute and chronic disease management

Contacts and support for Nurses working in General Practice

  • NSW Central West Division of General Practice Contact Us
  • Liaison staff are assigned to all general practices within the Division. 
  • Finding out who your Liaison person is and making an introductory contact (if we don't contact you first) provides an excellent opportunity to create professional networks for new and experienced practice nurses. 

Reflection:

As demonstrated by AGPN the role of practice nurse is certainly vibrant and diverse and providers nurses with the depth of experience to develop into an advanced level nurse. 

Quick Quiz:

Write a short response to each question in the provided answer sheet.

  1. In what ways can your role provide benefit to patients?
  2. In what way can your role  provide benefit to the practice
  3. Where can you go for local information on nursing in general practice and support?