What does a General Practice Nurse do?
General practice nurses (GPNs) have a central role in the care of patients with chronic and complex conditions. They undertake a number of general practice processes, including systematic assessment, follow up and review of the patient. They may identify local allied health services and ensure referrals go through the appropriate pathways to allied health professionals.
GPNs undertake a variety of other roles, including taking patients' histories, patient education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. They may also conduct chronic disease management clinics at the practice.
GPNs consult closely with patients suffering from chronic disease, assessing the impact of the condition on the patient, and identifying patients with risk factors. They can provide monitoring and support of patients between general practitioner reviews and may develop practices and processes to ensure appropriate patient care, including team care arrangements, asthma management plans and diabetes cycle of care, in partnership with the healthcare team.
Benefits
Employment of GPNs can improve the quality, integration and accessibility of primary care for patients with resultant improved patient outcomes. In collaboration with GPs, general practice nurses can initiate and facilitate communications between general practice and allied health professionals, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams with general practice. They can increase the general practice's capacity to manage chronic disease, potentially relieving workforce pressure within the general practice.