What does a General Practice Nurse do?

General practice nurses 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 heath services, and ensure referrals go through appropriate pathways to allied health professionals.
General practice nurses undertake a variety ofother roles, including taking patients’ histories
patient education, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. They may also conduct chronic
disease management clinics at the practice. 

General practice nurses 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 practice nurses can improve the quality, integration and accessibility of primary care for patients with resultant improved patient outcomes. 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.