Practice Nurse update – 2 October 2024

• Upcoming Education Events
• Support for nurses working in general practice
• CESPHN Programs
• News and announcements
• Have your say
• Other learning opportunities and programs
• Scholarships
• Immunisation Update

Upcoming Education Events

Our Annual Practice Nurse Forum Day – Registrations are closing soon

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 Workshop Strategy.

It will be a day not to be missed. Spots are limited so don’t miss out.

Register now

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

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

More medicines available for 60-day prescriptions – Updated information kit for prescribers

The Department of Health and Aged Care has added more medicines for 60-day prescriptions. If you have patients that are living with a stable ongoing health condition, you can check the list of medicines available for 60-day prescriptions.

The information kit explains changes to PBS medicines with increase dispensing quantities (60-day prescriptions), including:

• background of the changes
• available medicines
• frequently asked questions

Access the kit

Monkeypox (Mpox) cases are on the rise in Australia

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Mpox outbreak as a health emergency of international concern.

The Australian Government have activated the National Incident Centre for mpox and will continue to monitor the increase in international cases.

Health professionals can access a range of resources, including: 

• testing, treatment and vaccine guidelines
• infection prevention and control guidance
• case and contact management guidance for public health units.   

Find out more

Once in a generation Aged Care Reforms

Coming into effect on 1 July 2025, the aged care reforms aim to ensure the viability and quality of aged care, and support growing numbers of older Australians choosing to retain their independence and remain in their homes as they age.

Further 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

Palliative Care

The Department of Health and Aged Care is seeking your feedback on two palliative care projects.

• National Palliative Care Projects 
• End-of-Life Directions for Aged Care.

By completing the survey, it will help evaluate whether these projects are supporting better palliative care delivery.

Take part in the survey

Other learning opportunities and programs

Free – Breast, Bowel and Cervical Screening Course

The number one factor that will help influence a person’s decision to screen is endorsement by a GP or nurse. This course addresses the challenges, myths and uncertainties around screening, offers tips to help boost screening, and provides further resources.

Access

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.

Access

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.

Find out more

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.

Further information

Immunisation Update

View the latest Immunisation update now