The Nursing in General Practice Program (NIGP) aims to support and provide training and educational opportunities for Practice Nurses. The program also aims to assist General Practices to maintain practice nurse initiatives, and to provide access to information and resources.
As such, the Division is able provide support in the following areas:
· Promote the role of the General Practice Nurse;
· Assist General Practices in the recruitment and retention of Practice Nurses;
· Provide education and training opportunities;
· Promote professional standards;
· Provide mentoring and support to Practice Nurses;
· Promote teamwork and integration of practice nurse services;
· Provide information and support regarding business modelling and claiming Practice Nurse Incentives Payments (PIP);
· Provide training and support in the utilisation of MBS item numbers, in particular, items related to practice nursing.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is defined as: "The ongoing, systematic, learning process that nurses and midwives undertake to maintain their competence to practice, and to enhance their professional and personal skills and knowledge."
The new National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for Health Professions will be introduced on 1 July 2010. This scheme includes a requirement that, for annual renewal of registration, a nurse must demonstrate that they have participated in at least 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development, as determined by the national board.