This page contains links to sources of education for nurses wishing to increase their knowledge and skill in General Practice and Primary Health.
Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme (NAHSSS) funded by the Department of Health and Ageing and administered by the Royal College of Nursing (RCNA) invites Practice nurses to apply for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scholarships within the following specialties: wound management, women’s health, immunisation, diabetes management, chronic disease management and illness, mental health, asthma, cardiovascular care, obesity and food/nutrition, health and clinical assessment, sexual and reproductive health or competency based clinical skills (e.g. suturing, plastering, ear irrigation, medication administration). Scholarships will be awarded as a contribution toward the cost of accessing, short courses, workshops and conferences/seminars.
The applications generally open twice each year. MGPN will alert Practice Nurses to the opening dates for applications via the MGPN Practice Nurse Distribution list.
Nurses Board of Victoria Legacy Limited Grants and Fellowships
After the functions of the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) were transferred to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, in 2010, the NBV was successful in using the substantial assets to establish the Nurses Board of Victoria Legacy Limited (NBVLL). The purpose of the NBVLL is to advance and foster the practice of nursing and midwifery in Victoria, through research and education, to improve patient outcomes. More specifically NBVLL’s area of interest is to:
The Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Primary Care Nursing offered by the University of Melbourne’s School of Health Sciences – Department of General Practice; enables nurses working in general practice to provide comprehensive and evidence-based care in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, women’s health, youth health and chronic conditions. You will learn strategies for health promotion in a primary care setting and research and evaluation skills.
Graduate Certificate in Nursing (General Practice) offered by University of the Sunshine Coast and the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN); is an online program, it provides a supportive learning environment, particularly for those who have not studied at the tertiary level before. The course content consists of 3 General Practice subjects and 1 elective subject.
Flinders University, School of Nursing & Midwifery offers an external post graduate program in General Practice Nursing, The course aims to provide a sound theoretical and clinical basis for nursing practice in a primary care setting. It will equip registered nurses to practice collaboratively with general practitioners and other health professionals in promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and the community.
Community Access Program (CAP) offered by the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Medical School – General Practice and Primary Health Care; allows Div 1 nurses to enroll in individual post graduate primary care nursing subjects without having to commit to certificate or diploma courses.
Practice Nurse Pap Test Credentialing ensures the quality of Pap Testing; Practice Nurses must acquire credentialing to provide Pap Testing. Once credentialed they can access the Victorian Cytology Service via their individual practice number and provide Pap test services in the General Practice setting. Pap Screen Victoria administers the Pap Screen Credentialing process. The process begins with completing an RACGP accredited Pap test course.
Accredited Nurse Immunisers can independently administer vaccinations from the national Immunisation Schedule. La Trobe University currently offers the only accredited course. The nurse immuniser program is open to Registered Nurses and is offered twice per year. The 12 week course covers immunisation throughout the lifespan, (not travel immunisation) management of adverse reactions, epidemiology and the role of immunisation in public health.
With over 40 years experience, Family planning Victoria is a leading provider of sexual and reproductive education and training in Victoria. The following courses may be of interest to Practice Nurses:
Click here for information about the Family Planning Victoria education and training programs.
General Practice Nurse Leadership Program: Diploma of Management
Co developed by UNE Partnerships and the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN), this course provides essential skills for nurses engaged in primary healthcare services within private and general public practices and for those employed by Divisions of General Practice. The General Practice Nurse Leadership Program will equip participants to take a greater, more responsible role in their professional environment, and operate effectively and confidently within the business environment of general practice and primary care. The program is based on established, academically rigorous requirements. It is a practical workplace focused program that meets the requirements for issuing the Diploma of Management (BSB51107) qualification, a nationally recognised qualification within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
The Chronic Disease Management and Medicare Item number 10997 e-Learning package offered by AGPN in conjunction with the Royal College of Nursing Australia and Bachelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is an online educational tool designed for practice nurses and registered Aboriginal Health Workers. It provides knowledge and skills in chronic disease management, (CDM) appropriate utilisation of Medicare Item 10997 in the general practice setting and enhanced education techniques to assist people dealing with chronic disease. This package is a valuable resource in gaining introductory knowledge on best practices surrounding CDM. The content has been developed by expert organisations to provide current best practice and up-to-date information and consists of a prerequisite foundation module and a set of disease specific modules that cover the topic areas of arthritis, asthma, cancer, coronary heart disease, dementia, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Healthy Start For Schools
The Healthy Start for School Initiative commenced 1 July 2011. For a parent receiving income support during the financial year in which their child turns four, the child will be required to undergo a relevant health check to ensure they are healthy, fit and ready for school. This is a requirement to receiving the Family Tax Benefit A Supplement for the financial year in which a child turns four.
Information about the Healthy Kids Check can be found at Department of Health and Ageing - Healthy Kids Check Resource Kit
The Child and Family Health Service a division of Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) South Australia in partnership with the Centre for Education and Training with funding from Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing have recently developed an e-learning tool for general practice nurses to build confidence and knowledge in conducting a Healthy Kids Check. Please visit: www.healthykidscheckelearning.net.au/login.php.
In addition to the courses offered by the above mentioned training organisations, the following organisations provide education and consultancy in the field of wound management.
The MGPN Clinical Topics/ Guidelines web page contains relevant and up to date links to websites relating to the following topics and more:
