Jacki Eckert
Program Manager
CDM, Accreditation, IT/IM & Practice Nurses
Ph: 02 6049 1906
Email: jeckert@bordergp.org.au
What is the NiGP Program?
The NiGP Program aims to support General Practice to recruit and retain qualified Nurses to improve quality and access to Primary Health Services in our community.
Across AWRGPN 81% of Practices employ one or more General Practice Nurses.
What does the NiGP Program do?
The Program offers local education and skills training for Nurses working in General Practice facilited through the Network. This is based on a needs assessment survey of Nurses and supported by Government funding.
The Practice Nurse Network meets bi-monthly providing important networking opportunities. It also involves an educational component usually presented by local primary health professionals, designed to improve knowledge of local services and maximise use of the MBS in caring for people in the community. All Nurses working in General Practice are invited to attend.
The Program assists practices to orientate Nurses new to General Practice by offering site visits and one-on-one education.
The Program produces a bi-monthly newsletter to keep Nurses up to date with local, State and Federal information relevant to the role of the General Practice Nurse. It also includes a 'help desk' by phone or email for all Nurses and Practices which operates during business hours.
The Program Manager is available to visit any Nurse or Practice to provide on site support and education as required.
How can the NiGP Program help you?
NiGP can assist in orientating Nurses new to General Practice to the Primary Health System, Medicare, General Practice procedures and the professional scope of the Practice Nurse.
We offer education to up-skill Nurses thereby allowing them the scope to expand their role to meet the needs of the community served by their clinic.
Networking opportunities are provided to reduce the professional isolation which can occur working alone.
We are a focal point for information dissemination to Nurses and Practices and offer site visits to assist with developing their role in the General Practice Team.
What has the NiGP Program achieved?
NiGP has provided or facilitated access to many local professional development and training opportunities. The Practice Nurse Network is well attended and both the Network and newsletter are highly valued by Nurses. The 'help desk' is well used by Nurses and Practices. The Program Manager is available to visit any Nurse or Practice to provide on site support and education as required. |