Nurses in general practice play a vital role in delivering safe, high‑quality, patient‑centred care. Working collaboratively with GPs and the broader practice team, they contribute to comprehensive, multidisciplinary care across all stages of life.
Supporting Nurses in General Practice
The WentWest team provides tailored support to nurses working in general practice, guided by identified professional development needs. Support can be offered in a range of ways, including:
- Education and training opportunities
- Orientation and mentoring for new or transitioning nurses
- Virtual Support
To further support nurses entering the sector, the Western Sydney Primary Care Nurse Handbook has been developed as a practical resource. The handbook aims to strengthen the primary care nursing workforce by providing education, tools, and guidance for nurses who are new to general practice.
Training and Education
WentWest offers tailored training and professional development opportunities for primary health care nurses across Western Sydney. This includes quarterly Nurse Connect networking events, which provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and peer connection. Visit our events calendar to find upcoming training and events.
Keep up to date with the latest news, resources, and events for health care professionals in Western Sydney through Western Sydney Health News, our fortnightly newsletter. Designed for GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, and practice staff, the newsletter delivers relevant updates straight to your inbox. Subscribe now!
Nurse and Midwife Support
Nurse and Midwife Support is Australia’s first national telephone and online service dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of nurses and midwives.
The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For support, call 1800 667 877 or visit the website.
Australian College of Nursing
Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is a leading national professional organisation for nurses, open to those working across all settings and at every stage of their careers. In addition to its role in advocacy and leadership, ACN is an authorised higher education provider and registered training organisation. It also represents Australia as a member of the International Council of Nurses. For more information visit the website.
Continuing Professional Development for Nurses in General Practice
Registered nurses working in general practice are required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to complete 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year to maintain registration.
CPD activities must be relevant to the nurse’s scope of practice and support ongoing professional growth. These may include workshops, webinars, formal study, clinical audits, and reflective learning activities.
CPD Requirements
- Annual requirement: Minimum of 20 hours of CPD between 1 June and 31 May
- Relevance: Activities must align with the nurse’s current role and practice context
- Types of activities: Formal learning: Courses, seminars, and accredited programs Informal learning: Journal reading, peer discussions, and reflective practice
CPD Providers
Primary care nurses can access CPD opportunities through a range of organisations, including:
- Australian College of Nursing
- Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association
- NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association
- Practice Nurse Central
- WentWest the Western Sydney Primary Health Network
Common CPD Topics for Primary Care Nurses
CPD activities often focus on building skills and knowledge in key areas of primary care, such as:
- Chronic condition management: Care planning and patient engagement
- Immunisation: Vaccine schedule updates and best-practice delivery
- Clinical skills: Wound care, infection prevention and control, and emergency response
- Professional practice: Documentation, privacy, and confidentiality
For full CPD standards, visit the NMBA website.
The Workforce Incentive Program
The Practice Stream of the Workforce Incentive Program provides quarterly financial incentives to eligible general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. The program supports the employment of nurses, midwives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, and allied health professionals.
By strengthening workforce capacity, the program enables more effective multidisciplinary, team-based care, particularly in areas such as chronic disease management and aged care. This contributes to improved access to coordinated, high-quality care for patients and communities. Learn more on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageings website.
Resources for Employing Nurses in General Practice
Job Vacancies in Western Sydney
The Western Sydney region provides a wide range of opportunities to work in general practice. The Western Sydney Primary Health Network region includes the Local Government Areas of Cumberland, Blacktown, Hills Shire and Parramatta.
Nurses looking for opportunities to work in Western Sydney can explore available roles by visiting our Health Care Positions webpage.
For more information or support please contact Helpdesk on 8811 7117 or email support@wentwest.com.au