An overview of the general practice nurse workforce in Australia, 2012-15

Several surveys of the general practice nurse (GPN) workforce have been undertaken in Australia over the last decade, but they have limitations, which mean that the workforce is not well-understood. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of the GPN workforce using the dataset available through the Australia Health Practitioner Registration Agency and to explore how it differs from the non-GPN nursing workforce, and if this workforce is changing over time. Data from labour force surveys conducted from 2012 to 2015 were used. Variables examined were age group, gender, remoteness area, hours worked, nurse type (enrolled (EN) or registered (RN)), years in the workforce and also intended years of work before exiting the workforce. When compared with the broader nursing workforce, a greater proportion of GPNs in 2015 were older (60 v. 51%), worked part-time (65 v. 48%) and worked in regional areas (35 v. 26%). Additionally, the characteristics of GPNs has changed between 2012 and 2015, with an increased proportion of younger nurses, more registered nurses and fewer working in remote areas. To ensure a sustainable workforce, particularly in rural and remote areas, strategies to recruit and retain this workforce will be needed.