Practice Nurses: A valuable practice resource

It has been said that our practice nurses are the heart and soul of a medical practice. They provide patients with a familiar face, empathy, and trusted support. 

Over the years, their role has broadened due to acknowledgement of their increased scope of practice and the introduction of government incentive programs such as Practice Nurse Incentive Payment (PNIP) and Workforce Incentive Program (WIP). 

Retention of your practice nurses is vital to the care and health outcomes of your patients, as well as contributing to the revenue generation of your practice.

However, a survey by the University of Wollongong found one in five of the practice nurses surveyed would like to leave general practice nursing. So, how do we retain our valuable general practice nurses?

Employment

• Employment contract outlining conditions of employment and pay.
• Ensuring employment conditions of nursing staff are in-line with Fair Work Australia – Nurses Award (including amendments) http://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000034
• Job descriptions clearly define the role, the roles responsibilities, how work performance will be measured, and feedback provided.

Registration, Professional Indemnity Insurance, Professional Development & Competency Standards, and clinical mentoring

• Actively engage and support nursing staff in PD activities required to meet registration and competency standards. 
• Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation provides a Toolkit for general practice nurses that includes a self-assessment template against the ANMF National Standards and a PD planning template. http://www.anmf.org.au/documents/ANMF_National_Toolkit_for_Nurses_in_General_Practice.pdf 

Practice team values, leadership and planning

• Inclusive engagement of nursing staff in practice strategic planning activities, team events, and opportunities for promotion to a leadership role provides a framework for job progression and on-going job satisfaction.

Practice nurses are large contributors to a high performing practice across the financial, clinical, operational, and business success of the practice.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article does not constitute advice. The information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual financial situation. It should not be used, relied upon, or treated as a substitute for specific professional advice. We recommend that you contact Brentnalls SA before making any decision to discuss your particular requirements or circumstances.