Northern Queensland nurses new to working outside a hospital setting or wanting to become a nurse mentor can now apply for the Transition to Practice program.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), in partnership with Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), has funded additional places in the Transition to Practice program.
Since 2019, NQPHN has provided funding for more than 50 nurses and 25 mentors to complete the program.
APNA's Transition to Practice program is an eight-month education, support, and mentoring program for nurses new to primary healthcare. Nurses moving into primary healthcare will be matched with an experienced nurse mentor.
NQPHN Executive Director Health System Integration and Innovation Karin Barron said the program was open to graduate and experienced nurses.
"Practice nurses are a very important part of a primary care team. They provide personalised patient care, coordinate the management of chronic conditions, deliver preventative healthcare, and provide education and information to improve the overall health and wellbeing of patients," Mrs Barron said.
"The program will assist nurses to develop their skills and knowledge, whether they are new to general practice or have worked in primary care for some time."
APNA's Rebekah Cox, the program manager for Transition to Practice, encouraged nurses and mentors to apply.
"We know that the APNA Transition to Practice Program supports nurses to build their career path and aids recruitment and retention of nurses new to primary health care," Ms Cox said.
"APNA is delighted to be partnering with Northern Queensland PHN on these great new initiatives."
Motivated nurses with more than four or more years' experience in primary healthcare are also being encouraged to become clinical and professional mentors. Remuneration is provided to complete training and work with mentees.
Mrs Barron said there had been many success stories of nurses who had taken part in the program as a mentee or mentor.
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