The development of professional practice standards for Australian general practice nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Primary Health Care
• Health Workforce Development

Background:

• Growing demand for primary care services in Australia has increased the employment of nurses in general practice.
• Significant evolution of the nursing role in Australian general practice settings.
• Previous competency standards from 2005 lack articulation of the contemporary scope of practice for general practice nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the current role and scope of practice for general practice nurses in Australia.
• To inform the development of national professional practice standards for Australian general practice nurses.

Main Methods:

• A concurrent mixed methods design was employed.
• Data collected through online surveys of Registered and Enrolled Nurses (2013-2014).
• Included 14 focus groups across Australia and consultations with key experts.

Main Results:

• Development of 22 Practice Standards across four domains: Professional Practice, Nursing Care, General Practice Environment, and Collaborative Practice.
• Performance indicators provided for Enrolled Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Registered Nurse Advanced Practice roles.
• Standards differentiate variations in practice enactment.

Conclusions:

• National professional practice standards will support ongoing workforce development for Australian general practice nurses.
• Standards articulate the role and scope of nursing practice for consumers and health professionals.
• Standards serve as a guide for curriculum development and performance measurement.