Professional Issues
Advanced nursing definitions
The following definitions of advanced nursing practice are taken from the Competency Standards for the Advanced Registered Nurse and the Competency Standards for the Advanced Enrolled Nurse (2005) developed by the Australian Nursing Federation.
Wound Management Competency Standards for General Practice Nurses
The Wound Management Competency Standards for General Practice Nurses were developed as part of the Nursing in General Practice Program at General Practice NSW and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
The standards may be accessed on the APNA website: http://www.apna.asn.au/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=294.
These Competencies align and should be read in conjunction with:
- The Competency Standards for Nurses in General Practice developed by the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
- Standards for Wound Management, 1st edition, May 2002 published by the Australian Wound Management Association Inc.
National Standards for Nurse Pap Test Providers
Competency standards for nurse pap test providers. Click here to view.
Definitions and qualifications for registration as a nurse
It has come to the attention of NiGP staff at GP NSW that there are some practices within NSW who are claiming MBS item numbers which are nurse specific (e.g. items 10993, 10997 etc), for staff who are not nurses (overseas trained doctors who are not registered in Australia).
This document provides information about role definition for nurses. Click here to view.
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Code of ethics for Nurses (revised 2008) Click here to view
This Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia has been developed for the nursing profession in Australia and is relevant to all nurses at all levels and areas of practice including those encompassing clinical, management, education and research domains. This Code outlines the nursing profession’s commitment to respect, promote, protect and uphold the fundamental rights of people who are both the recipients and providers of nursing and health care.
Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses (revised 2008) Click here to view
The Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia sets the minimum standards for practice a professional person is expected to uphold both within and outside of professional domains in order to ensure the ‘good standing’ of the nursing profession.
Competency Standards for Nurses in General Practice
The Competency Standards for nurses in general practice are a useful framework reflecting nursing practice in the general practice setting. The Competency Standards have been developed to align with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) national competency standards (for both Registered and Enrolled Nurses). To view the competency standards, visit http://www.anf.org.au/nurses_gp/
General Practice Nurses Award
The award for general practice nurses comes under ‘Nurses, Other Than In Hospitals (State) Award (510)’. Click here to view the award, or do view the pay rates directly, visit: http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/awards/pdf/Rates_0510.pdf
Role and position statements
Enrolled Nurses
Nursing Education: enrolled nurse (ANF). Click here to view
Medication Administration by Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (NSW Health). Click here to view.
Administration of Medications (ANF). Click here to view
Role statement for the enrolled nurse in General Practice. Click here to view
Delegation and Supervision for Nurses and Midwives (ANMC). Click here to view
Registered Nurses
Role statement for the registered nurse in General Practice. Click here to view
Delegation and Supervision for Nurses and Midwives (ANMC). Click here to view
Nursing Education: registered nurse (ANF). Click here to view
Other position statements
Administration of Medications (ANF). Click here to view
Nursing in General Medical Practice (ANF). Click here to view
Primary Health Care (ANF). Click here to view
Nursing education: continuing professional education (ANF). Click here to view
Delegation by registered nurses and midwives (ANF). Click her to view
For other ANF position statements, visit http://www.anf.org.au/