PRACTICE NURSE -REGISTERED NURSE

Purpose and Mission

Practice Nurses, short for general practice nurses, perform a wide variety of support roles  doctor’s offices. One primary function of practice Nurses is to reduce the workload on General Practitioners and provide more rapid access to healthcare for patients.

Counsel patients with health problems related to their lifestyle, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, nutrition, immunisations, and prevention and management of chronic disease (cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes).

Reports To

Practice Principal

Qualifications

Registered Nurses ( bachelor’s degree). OR Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

A valid Nursing Registration with the AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Agency)

Responsibilities of a Practice Nurse

• patient consultations at the Medical Centre
• performing physical examinations, screening procedures and cervical smear/pregnancy tests
• diagnosing and treating a broad range of illnesses and ailments
• providing advice about contraception and helping to access and fit contraceptive devices
• treating wounds or injuries, including stitching as required
• putting on and removing dressings
• providing emergency first aid treatment for insect or snake bites or allergic reactions
• giving advice, education and information stopping smoking, drinking or losing weight
• taking patient specimens and vital signs (pulse, temperatures and blood pressure)
• giving immunisations, vaccinations and other infant injections
• setting up and managing clinics for specific ailments such as diabetes and asthma or general wellness
• working closely with many other health care professionals
• keeping written and / or electronic records and making sure that patient notes are current.

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