Practice Nurse update – 16 October 2024

Upcoming Education Events

Our Annual Practice Nurse Forum Day – Registrations are closing so don’t miss out!!

This year our Practice Nurse Forum Day will be held on Saturday 26 October 2024 at the Pullman Hotel, Mascot.

Enjoy a day of face-to-face presentations, practical workshops, networking opportunities and the launch of our Practice Nurse Workforce Strategy.

It will be a day not to be missed.

Spots are limited.

Register now – https://connect.cesphn.org.au/EventDetails?id=a1JMn000000xcSfMAI

ECG Essentials for Practice Nurses

Join us online for our Practice Nurse Grand Rounds in partnership with St George Hospital.

This webinar will help nurses navigate cardiology services at your local hospital, know when and how to refer and understand the challenges faced.

When: 23 October 2024

Time: 7.00pm – 8.15pm

Register now – https://connect.cesphn.org.au/EventDetails?id=a1JMn000000zQqPMAU

Support for nurses working in general practice

Are you a new nurse working in general practice?

Our practice support team are available to provide you with a Practice Nurse orientation session which includes a copy of our Practice Nurse Resource Guide.

We can also provide you with ongoing support to help you learn and succeed in your new role.

These sessions can either be an in general practice or a virtual visit.

If you would like to book an orientation session or have any questions, please contact practicesupport@cesphn.com.au

CESPHN Programs

Psychological Support Service (PSS) open to referrals, including suicide prevention support 

We are excited to announce that the Psychological Support Service (PSS) program is accepting new referrals, including suicide prevention support (SPS). This is a free service, designed to support the mental wellbeing of people residing within the Central and Eastern Sydney region, who are experiencing financial barriers to care.

PSS offers comprehensive psychological supports to assist individuals in managing mental health challenges including anxiety, stress, and depression. The PSS is delivered face-to-face or via telehealth with trained and qualified mental health professionals. Bilingual providers and translation services are also available.

For more information please visit the PSS website

News and announcements

IMPORTANT – 3G network closure and emergency devices – talk to your patients

From Monday 28 October 2024, the 3G network will no longer work.

Devices such as in-home personal emergency alarms, insulin pumps and pacemakers that rely on the 3G network for voice calls won’t be able to make Triple Zero (000) calls.

For further information –

Access to the contraceptive pill at pharmacies has been boosted

NSW pharmacists who have completed the required training and work in pharmacies will be able to offer this service to women who have been using the contraceptive pill continuously for the last two years prescribed by a GP or nurse practitioner.

For more information – https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/government-boosts-access-to-contraceptive-pill-at-pharmacies-across-nsw

Mental Health Month – October 2024

“Let’s talk about it”

Mental Health First Aid Australia is calling on all Australians to join the campaign, ‘Would you know what to say?’ By joining in, you will learn the skills to have a conversation that may save a life.    

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, this campaign aims to empower and mobilise individuals with the skills and confidence to recognise the signs that someone may be struggling and provide support.

For more information

Have your say

National Nursing Workforce Strategy

A draft of the strategy has been released to seek feedback from those who have an interest in the nursing workforce. The priorities and actions presented reflect issues, ideas and feedback raised during the initial consultation process.

Consultations close 20 October, 11.59pm (AEDT)

For further information – https://consultations.health.gov.au/health-workforce/nnws/

Other learning opportunities and programs

Free – Cervical Screening, HPV and Self-Collection

This 6-hour course helps to develop the knowledge and skills to offer HPV self-collection to eligible patients and increase cancer screening participation rates.

With primary care playing a critical role in increasing screening participation rates, this course will provide General Practitioners, Nurse Cervical Screening Providers and Practice Nurses across Australia with information about the natural progression of cervical disease, the rationale for using the HPV test as the primary screening test, and recent changes to the NCSP clinical guidelines.

To find out more – https://gpex.com.au/course/cervical-screening-hpv-and-self-collection/

APNA – Asthma Fundamentals for Primary Healthcare Nurses

Asthma Fundamentals for Primary Health Care Nurses has been designed to provide you with the skills to effectively identify potential asthma in your patients and will outline the key steps necessary in diagnosis and ongoing management.

To access – https://www.apna.asn.au/product/detail/c89abc31-4823-e811-80d4-005056be66b1

Scholarships

Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships Available

Are you Interested in advancing your Primary Care Nursing Career?

The Australian Government has provided funding to support nurses and midwives who are wanting to complete postgraduate study in Primary Care.

The program will provide 1850 scholarships over 4 years.

To find out more – https://www.acnp.org.au/pcnmsp

NSW Nurses and Midwives Association – Lions Nurses Scholarship

The mission of the Lions NSW/ACT Nurses Scholarship Foundation is to provide the opportunity for nurses to continue their professional development.

These are available to any eligible registered nurse or enrolled nurse.

Lions Nurses Scholarships open for application on 1 August and close on 31 October each year.

For further information – https://www.nswnma.asn.au/scholarship/lions-nurses-scholarship/

Immunisation Update

For the latest Immunisation update please click here – https://cesphn.org.au/general-practice/practice-support-and-development/immunisation-gp/immunisation-news-alerts