Message from the Chair of the Australian General Practice Network

Nursing in the general practice environment is developing as a dynamic and vibrant area of the nursing profession. It offers an opportunity for nurses to use a range of skills and competencies and to be part of a small health care team meeting the diverse primary care needs of the community.

One of the key strategies of the Australian General Practice Network's (AGPN) Nursing in General Practice (NiGP) program is to support the recruitment and retention of practice nurses to maximise their contribution to quality and safe patient care.

The National Practice Nurse Workforce Survey Report 2007 estimates the number of practice nurses in 2007 was 7,824 compared with 4,924 in 2005, representing a 59 per cent increase over two years.

The demand for additional nurses in general practice continues to increase as more practices are actively encouraged to employ a nurse, and as practices with existing nurses employ additional nurses. By using the linkages already in place via the Divisions of General Practice Network, practice nurses are able to access a range of services, information and knowledge that helps them in their daily activities.
Working in a general practice is a different and often unfamiliar environment to other areas of nursing practice. The role for the practice nurse is a wide ranging generalist role, requiring comprehensive skills and knowledge. It is therefore important for the delivery of safe practice and the retention of nurses in general practice that they are supported with a formal orientation and induction program.
AGPN has developed two programs Introduction to General Practice Program and an Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice to meet this need.

It is important to note that the programs' content is influenced by the Nursing in General Practice Recruitment and Orientation Resource developed in 2006 by AGPN in conjunction with Royal College of Nursing Australia, the Australian Practice Nurses Association , as well as the Australian General Practice Nurse Study undertaken in partnership between The Australian National University and AGPN.

The need for these programs obviously does exist, as evidenced by the feedback we have received from network members across the country. The decision to develop these comprehensive national programs of work is insightful, and shows the role that the divisions' network can play in workforce development in Australia.

I congratulate you on your decision to be involved, and commend the programs to you.

Dr Emil Djakic
Chair
May 2009

AGPN gratefully acknowledges the funding support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing for this program.

Acknowledgements

Julie Porritt-Australian General Praactice Network
Toni Rice- Australian General Practice Network
Lesley Czulowski-General Practice Victoria
Dr Margaret Barnes - University of the Sunshine Coast
Dr Kristina Malko Nyhan- University of the Sunshine Coast
Nicolette Bannink- University of the Sunshine Coast

Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the facilitators and presenters from the Melbourne and Warrnambool pilots and the e-learning program for their input into the development of the course material.
AGPN would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Nursing in General Practice Program State Based Officers.

General Information

	"This online learning program has been endorsed by Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria. Completion attracts RCNA Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) points as part of RCNA's Life Long Learning Program (3LP)" Module 1 - 4 RCNA CNE points Module 2 - 4 RCNA CNE points Module 3 - 4 RCNA CNE points Module 4 - 3.5 RCNA CNE points
	This activity is worth 15 APNA CPD Points.

Getting started

To enrol in this program you must register an account. During the registration process you will be asked to nominate a username and password that will be used to log in to this web site.

To register an account please click here.

After logging in, you will be able to enrol in the modules. Please note, you will be required to pay a one-time fee of $120.00 to access these modules. You will be asked to complete a short survey before accessing the Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice.