Practice Nurse ENews
July 15, 2009
__________________________
Welcome to the July Edition of the Practice Nurse ENews.
RHealth ENews is designed to keep you up-to-date with the latest information, events and news from around our region and health in general, so please browse through the newsletter, and have a look at anything that interests you.
For more information contact RHealth on 07 4638 1377.
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and administered by the Royal College of Nursing Australia.
Scholarships will be available for the start of the 2010 academic year and are worth up to $7,500 per year for part-time study and up to $15,000 per year for full-time study. Applications will be available to download from www.rcna.org.au from 27 June 2009.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are or will be studying at a TAFE (Certificate IV and above) or undergraduate level in the areas of:
• Aboriginal Health Worker
• Alcohol and Other Drugs Workers
• Allied Health (excluding pharmacy)
• Dentistry/oral health
• Health service management
• Health promotion
• Medicine
• Mental health
• Midwifery
• Nursing
Applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and be able to prove their status.
Selection will be based on criteria including demonstrated interest and experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, leadership qualities and financial need. This selection is not based on academic achievement.
How to apply
For an Application Form or information on the application process please click here or visit www.rcna.org.au. To view the scholarship flyer please click here.
Applications close 7 August 2009.
Further information is available by contacting RCNA on free call 1800 688 628 or by email at scholarships@rcna.org.au.
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has funded the Australian General Practice Network to develop the following:
1. Introduction to General Practice Program
2. National Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice
Both Programs will be completed at the end of June 2009.
1. Introduction to General Practice Program
This Introductory Program has been targeted at Nurses that have maintained their registration and will provide Nurses with the skills and confidence to seek employment within the primary health care setting in general practice.
The program will be rolled out through Divisions utilising local speakers over one-and-a-half days or three (3) by three (3) hour sessions. The Program consists of six (6) modules including:
• Introduction to Nursing in General Practice
• General Practice Business
• Professional Practice Standards
• The Role of the Practice Nurse
• Applying for a Practice Nurse Position
• Where to from here
The Introduction to General Practice Program attracts nine (9) RCNA Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) points as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning program (3LP). The Introduction to General Practice Program will be hosted on the AGPN Nursing in General Practice Website.
2. Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice
The Orientation Program has been designed for nurses who are new to the general practice environment within the first six (6) to twelve (12) months of employment.
The National Orientation Program will provide Nurses new to general practice with the knowledge and baseline skills they need to deliver high quality and safe health care services.
To complement the Competency Standards for Nurses in General Practice, the Program will be delivered under the following headings:
• Professional practice
• Collaborative practice
• Provision of clinical practice
• Management of clinical care
The Orientation Program will be coordinated by the NiGP SBO Network and delivered as a two-day workshop. An online Program will be available for Nurses unable to attend a face-to-face workshop.
The Program consists of 13 presentations including:
• Primary Health Care and Health Care Systems (General Practice Environment)
• Nursing Standards, Competencies and Guidelines
• Continuing Professional Development
• Clinical Assessment and Health Checks
• Triage
• Wound Management
• Immunisation
• Accreditation
• Infection Control
• Maintenance of Equipment
• Information Management in General Practice
• Chronic Disease Management
• Health Promotion in General Practice
A package has been developed for the Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice including presenters’ background information; PowerPoint presentations and students course notes.
The Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice attracts 15 RCNA Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) points as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning program (3LP).
The online Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice will be hosted on the AGPN Nursing in General Practice Website.
For further information please visit the AGPN website at www.agpn.com.au.
RHealth is introducing a smart new way to survey our Members. It’s called GP Census and it will replace our existing paper surveys with one online survey per year that is quick and easy to complete.
GP Census 2009 will take place in the week beginning Monday 24 August.
GP Census will provide information to:
• deliver more targeted services to General Practice,
• provide more detailed workforce data,
• identify issues and provide information that will help the Divisions Network to lobby government.
GP Census has questions for the GP and Practice Manager about a typical week in your practice. The GP Census is pre-populated with our existing details about you and your practice so you only have to amend details that have changed.
On August 24, you will receive an email link from RHealth which takes you directly to your own individualised survey. It’s quick and easy to complete online, however if you prefer we can send you a pre-populated paper version of the survey, along with a reply-paid envelope.
GP Census uses state of the art technology to keep your information is safe and secure. Only selected staff from RHealth will have access to identifiable information about you and your practice. All information released publicly will be de-identified and anonymous.
This year, the majority of Divisions in Queensland will be implementing GP Census for the first time and many of the questions will be asked to every GP and every Practice right across the state. This will result in more comprehensive information about general practice in Queensland and over the longer term we can identify statewide trends and work towards solutions. RHealth will also ask a series of questions that are locally specific to the RHealth region.
GP Census was developed by General Practice Tasmania and is now owned by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). If you have any questions about GP Census 2009, please contact Manjeet Singh on 07 4638 1377.
The State Government will provide free whooping cough vaccine for new parents to help combat a nationwide outbreak of the disease.
Premier Anna Bligh said cases of Pertussis - commonly known as whooping cough - are four times higher in Australia and Queensland in 2009 compared to the same period last year.
In the past year alone three babies have died in Australia after contracting the illness and in the year to date, more than 15,000 adults and children have been diagnosed.
Ms Bligh said the $3 million program would run for an initial six months from August 1, followed by an assessment of its effectiveness and whether the current outbreak had subsided.
"Whooping cough is a terrible affliction - but it's one that we can work together to reduce," Ms Bligh said. The last thing any parent would want is to make their baby sick but in many cases that's exactly what's happening because too many new parents aren't properly protected. That's why from next month, we will start a six month program to provide free whooping cough vaccine to all parents with new babies born since May 1 2009.
Pertussis vaccination is given to babies at two, four and six months of age.
"Overall our children are well vaccinated but babies too young to be fully vaccinated and protected can catch it from their parents who haven't been immunised or had booster vaccinations as adults. Unfortunately, many adults believe their own childhood vaccinations protect them into adulthood - this is not the case. This free vaccine will help cocoon newborns until they're fully vaccinated."
Ms Bligh said Queensland families were fortunate to have access to some of the world's best immunisation services.
"Queensland children have access to a fully funded schedule of vaccines protecting against diseases such as whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, chickenpox, rubella, hepatitis B, polio and meningococcal C and I urge all families to take advantage of the system. The tragedy of whooping cough was driven home for me earlier this year when Toni and David McCaffery from northern New South Wales wrote to me about the tragic death of their newborn daughter, Dana Elizabeth, who had been airlifted to the Mater Children's Hospital. Unfortunately, at four weeks of age, Dana was too young to be vaccinated and her death brought home to all of us how important immunisation is. While adults who contract whooping cough may end up with a persistent cough, it can obstruct a baby's breathing and may be life threatening.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas said the new program would begin next month.
Parents should see their normal immunisation provider to receive the vaccination - either their General Practitioner, local government, community health centre or Aboriginal health service.
"About 94 per cent of two-year-olds are fully vaccinated against whooping cough. But parents need to do their bit to protect children too young to be fully protected," Mr Lucas said. Given the current outbreak, the whole community needs to play a part in protecting our most vulnerable babies - especially parents."
Mr Lucas said Queensland Health has undertaken to get the message out to new parents, including providing advice after delivery.
Queensland Health will also undertake a direct mailout through the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, to alert parents.
I've urged the Commonwealth to establish a national response to better vaccinating adults who are in close contact with young children. As a nation we need to get it right for our children."
For further information about the free vaccination click here
Click here for VIVAS data collection sheet
Distribution of Pandemic Flu Kits
The Pandemic Flu Kits put out by the RACGP and sponsored by the Department of Health and Ageing have been distributed by post or personal delivery to every RHealth practice. If you have not received your kit by Friday 17 June 20009 please phone your Liaison Officer, or contact Di Hedger at Toowoomba Office on 07 4638 1377 or email collaborative@rhealth.com.au
Also, a short Pandemic Planning questionnaire has been faxed to each practice. Please respond to these as the information is required by AGPN for planning purposes.
Q-Fever Training for providers
CSL Biotherapies are offering Q-Fever Vaccination Training to vaccination providers. The training in Q-Fever vaccination procedures will be offered prior to the roll out of the national program, also available are updated booklets, with the most up-to-date knowlege on the disease and vaccination procedures.
For more information click here
Acceptance Commitment Therapy Workshop
Toowoomba
24-25 October 2009
Guest Speaker: Russ Harris
Click here for more information and registration form or contact Betti Chapelle on 07 4638 1377
Register to APNA Enews
To keep up-to-date on all the latest news on Practice Nursing you can now subscribe to the APNA Enews. Visit www.apna.asn.au and click on the link in the Quick Links section on the left hand side to register.
Online Learning
APNA is the peak body for nurses working in general practice in Australia. There are now over 7 000 Practice Nurses in Australia who work across a variety of different clinical areas including; immunisation, wound management, COPD and asthma, cardiovascular health, diabetes, mental health, care planning, health assessments, chronic disease management, women’s, men’s and child health.
As part of our commitment to the development of practice nurses everywhere we have developed an online learning portal to address the constant need for nurses to up to date their skills in a cost effective manner.
APNA is interested in working with organisations in getting relevant practice nurse education online.
To view our current list of courses click here and to trial a course at no charge click Browse -> Clinical Courses -> Organ and Tissue Donation (FREE).
Upcoming Conferences
Cairns PNCE- August 21 and 22
Adelaide PNCE- October 15 and 16
APNA National Conference- Gold Coast 6 - 8 May 2010
Useful Links
Diabetic Foot Innovation Project (DFIP)
Swine Flue Alerts for General Practice
Pandemic Flu Kit
Pertussis vaccine for Australian children/adults - update
July 15, 2009
__________________________
Welcome to the July Edition of the Practice Nurse ENews.
RHealth ENews is designed to keep you up-to-date with the latest information, events and news from around our region and health in general, so please browse through the newsletter, and have a look at anything that interests you.
For more information contact RHealth on 07 4638 1377.
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme: Scholarships of $7,500 to $15,000 on offer
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and administered by the Royal College of Nursing Australia.
Scholarships will be available for the start of the 2010 academic year and are worth up to $7,500 per year for part-time study and up to $15,000 per year for full-time study. Applications will be available to download from www.rcna.org.au from 27 June 2009.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are or will be studying at a TAFE (Certificate IV and above) or undergraduate level in the areas of:
• Aboriginal Health Worker
• Alcohol and Other Drugs Workers
• Allied Health (excluding pharmacy)
• Dentistry/oral health
• Health service management
• Health promotion
• Medicine
• Mental health
• Midwifery
• Nursing
Applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and be able to prove their status.
Selection will be based on criteria including demonstrated interest and experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, leadership qualities and financial need. This selection is not based on academic achievement.
How to apply
For an Application Form or information on the application process please click here or visit www.rcna.org.au. To view the scholarship flyer please click here.
Applications close 7 August 2009.
Further information is available by contacting RCNA on free call 1800 688 628 or by email at scholarships@rcna.org.au.
Introduction and Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice
Courtesy of AGPN Nursing News Vol 4, No. 3 (May-June 2009)
Courtesy of AGPN Nursing News Vol 4, No. 3 (May-June 2009)
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has funded the Australian General Practice Network to develop the following:
1. Introduction to General Practice Program
2. National Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice
Both Programs will be completed at the end of June 2009.
1. Introduction to General Practice Program
This Introductory Program has been targeted at Nurses that have maintained their registration and will provide Nurses with the skills and confidence to seek employment within the primary health care setting in general practice.
The program will be rolled out through Divisions utilising local speakers over one-and-a-half days or three (3) by three (3) hour sessions. The Program consists of six (6) modules including:
• Introduction to Nursing in General Practice
• General Practice Business
• Professional Practice Standards
• The Role of the Practice Nurse
• Applying for a Practice Nurse Position
• Where to from here
The Introduction to General Practice Program attracts nine (9) RCNA Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) points as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning program (3LP). The Introduction to General Practice Program will be hosted on the AGPN Nursing in General Practice Website.
2. Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice
The Orientation Program has been designed for nurses who are new to the general practice environment within the first six (6) to twelve (12) months of employment.
The National Orientation Program will provide Nurses new to general practice with the knowledge and baseline skills they need to deliver high quality and safe health care services.
To complement the Competency Standards for Nurses in General Practice, the Program will be delivered under the following headings:
• Professional practice
• Collaborative practice
• Provision of clinical practice
• Management of clinical care
The Orientation Program will be coordinated by the NiGP SBO Network and delivered as a two-day workshop. An online Program will be available for Nurses unable to attend a face-to-face workshop.
The Program consists of 13 presentations including:
• Primary Health Care and Health Care Systems (General Practice Environment)
• Nursing Standards, Competencies and Guidelines
• Continuing Professional Development
• Clinical Assessment and Health Checks
• Triage
• Wound Management
• Immunisation
• Accreditation
• Infection Control
• Maintenance of Equipment
• Information Management in General Practice
• Chronic Disease Management
• Health Promotion in General Practice
A package has been developed for the Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice including presenters’ background information; PowerPoint presentations and students course notes.
The Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice attracts 15 RCNA Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) points as part of RCNA’s Life Long Learning program (3LP).
The online Orientation Program for Nurses New to General Practice will be hosted on the AGPN Nursing in General Practice Website.
For further information please visit the AGPN website at www.agpn.com.au.
GP Census 2009
The smart new way to survey general practice
The smart new way to survey general practice
RHealth is introducing a smart new way to survey our Members. It’s called GP Census and it will replace our existing paper surveys with one online survey per year that is quick and easy to complete.
GP Census 2009 will take place in the week beginning Monday 24 August.
GP Census will provide information to:
• deliver more targeted services to General Practice,
• provide more detailed workforce data,
• identify issues and provide information that will help the Divisions Network to lobby government.
GP Census has questions for the GP and Practice Manager about a typical week in your practice. The GP Census is pre-populated with our existing details about you and your practice so you only have to amend details that have changed.
On August 24, you will receive an email link from RHealth which takes you directly to your own individualised survey. It’s quick and easy to complete online, however if you prefer we can send you a pre-populated paper version of the survey, along with a reply-paid envelope.
GP Census uses state of the art technology to keep your information is safe and secure. Only selected staff from RHealth will have access to identifiable information about you and your practice. All information released publicly will be de-identified and anonymous.
This year, the majority of Divisions in Queensland will be implementing GP Census for the first time and many of the questions will be asked to every GP and every Practice right across the state. This will result in more comprehensive information about general practice in Queensland and over the longer term we can identify statewide trends and work towards solutions. RHealth will also ask a series of questions that are locally specific to the RHealth region.
GP Census was developed by General Practice Tasmania and is now owned by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). If you have any questions about GP Census 2009, please contact Manjeet Singh on 07 4638 1377.
Free Vaccine for new parents to help fight whooping cough outbreak
The State Government will provide free whooping cough vaccine for new parents to help combat a nationwide outbreak of the disease.
Premier Anna Bligh said cases of Pertussis - commonly known as whooping cough - are four times higher in Australia and Queensland in 2009 compared to the same period last year.
In the past year alone three babies have died in Australia after contracting the illness and in the year to date, more than 15,000 adults and children have been diagnosed.
Ms Bligh said the $3 million program would run for an initial six months from August 1, followed by an assessment of its effectiveness and whether the current outbreak had subsided.
"Whooping cough is a terrible affliction - but it's one that we can work together to reduce," Ms Bligh said. The last thing any parent would want is to make their baby sick but in many cases that's exactly what's happening because too many new parents aren't properly protected. That's why from next month, we will start a six month program to provide free whooping cough vaccine to all parents with new babies born since May 1 2009.
Pertussis vaccination is given to babies at two, four and six months of age.
"Overall our children are well vaccinated but babies too young to be fully vaccinated and protected can catch it from their parents who haven't been immunised or had booster vaccinations as adults. Unfortunately, many adults believe their own childhood vaccinations protect them into adulthood - this is not the case. This free vaccine will help cocoon newborns until they're fully vaccinated."
Ms Bligh said Queensland families were fortunate to have access to some of the world's best immunisation services.
"Queensland children have access to a fully funded schedule of vaccines protecting against diseases such as whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, chickenpox, rubella, hepatitis B, polio and meningococcal C and I urge all families to take advantage of the system. The tragedy of whooping cough was driven home for me earlier this year when Toni and David McCaffery from northern New South Wales wrote to me about the tragic death of their newborn daughter, Dana Elizabeth, who had been airlifted to the Mater Children's Hospital. Unfortunately, at four weeks of age, Dana was too young to be vaccinated and her death brought home to all of us how important immunisation is. While adults who contract whooping cough may end up with a persistent cough, it can obstruct a baby's breathing and may be life threatening.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas said the new program would begin next month.
Parents should see their normal immunisation provider to receive the vaccination - either their General Practitioner, local government, community health centre or Aboriginal health service.
"About 94 per cent of two-year-olds are fully vaccinated against whooping cough. But parents need to do their bit to protect children too young to be fully protected," Mr Lucas said. Given the current outbreak, the whole community needs to play a part in protecting our most vulnerable babies - especially parents."
Mr Lucas said Queensland Health has undertaken to get the message out to new parents, including providing advice after delivery.
Queensland Health will also undertake a direct mailout through the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, to alert parents.
I've urged the Commonwealth to establish a national response to better vaccinating adults who are in close contact with young children. As a nation we need to get it right for our children."
For further information about the free vaccination click here
Click here for VIVAS data collection sheet
Distribution of Pandemic Flu Kits
The Pandemic Flu Kits put out by the RACGP and sponsored by the Department of Health and Ageing have been distributed by post or personal delivery to every RHealth practice. If you have not received your kit by Friday 17 June 20009 please phone your Liaison Officer, or contact Di Hedger at Toowoomba Office on 07 4638 1377 or email collaborative@rhealth.com.au
Also, a short Pandemic Planning questionnaire has been faxed to each practice. Please respond to these as the information is required by AGPN for planning purposes.
Q-Fever Training for providers
CSL Biotherapies are offering Q-Fever Vaccination Training to vaccination providers. The training in Q-Fever vaccination procedures will be offered prior to the roll out of the national program, also available are updated booklets, with the most up-to-date knowlege on the disease and vaccination procedures.
For more information click here
Acceptance Commitment Therapy Workshop
Toowoomba
24-25 October 2009
Guest Speaker: Russ Harris
Click here for more information and registration form or contact Betti Chapelle on 07 4638 1377
Register to APNA Enews
To keep up-to-date on all the latest news on Practice Nursing you can now subscribe to the APNA Enews. Visit www.apna.asn.au and click on the link in the Quick Links section on the left hand side to register.
Online Learning
APNA is the peak body for nurses working in general practice in Australia. There are now over 7 000 Practice Nurses in Australia who work across a variety of different clinical areas including; immunisation, wound management, COPD and asthma, cardiovascular health, diabetes, mental health, care planning, health assessments, chronic disease management, women’s, men’s and child health.
As part of our commitment to the development of practice nurses everywhere we have developed an online learning portal to address the constant need for nurses to up to date their skills in a cost effective manner.
APNA is interested in working with organisations in getting relevant practice nurse education online.
To view our current list of courses click here and to trial a course at no charge click Browse -> Clinical Courses -> Organ and Tissue Donation (FREE).
Upcoming Conferences
Cairns PNCE- August 21 and 22
Adelaide PNCE- October 15 and 16
APNA National Conference- Gold Coast 6 - 8 May 2010
Useful Links
Diabetic Foot Innovation Project (DFIP)
Swine Flue Alerts for General Practice
Pandemic Flu Kit
Pertussis vaccine for Australian children/adults - update
The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of RHealth Limited.
