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The Role Of The Australian Practice Nurse

Central to the Australian health care system is primary health care. This is usually the initial point of contact with the national health system for most people. Primary health care is typically as close as possible to where people live and work, and is a continuing health care process. ‘Good primary care can help people stay healthy, speed their recovery when they are unwell and ensure they get access to more specialized services if and when they need them.’ (Australian Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA), cited in DoHA 2006, p. 1)

General practice is a fundamental element of the primary health care system in Australia. This area is serviced by predominately private medical practices which supply individuals, families and communities with universal access to medical care. ‘Nursing in general practice is a dynamic and vibrant area of the nursing profession’ (Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) 2006, p. 4) where the nurse, ‘has a unique and complementary role in the primary health care system and within the general practice team’. (Royal College of Nursing Australia (RCNA) 2005, p. 3) There are many variations to the practice nurse role, ranging from assisting the general practitioner (GP) and having tasks delegated, to undertaking independent practice in the areas of preventative care, disease management and care coordination. ‘The future of general practice nursing in Australia will reflect the capacity of Australian general practices to incorporate nurses into the primary health care team and the capacity of nurses to adapt their roles to the needs of the general practice community.’ (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) & RCNA 2004, p. 13)

The purpose of this essay is to analyse my role within the general practice setting in which I am employed. It will compare and contrast this role against the national standards, benchmarks and exemplars of best practice that guide the nursing profession, and will justify why...