position description: primary health care registered nurse · position summary: the primary...
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POSITION DESCRIPTION: Primary Health Care Registered Nurse
Position Details
Position Title: Primary Health Care Registered Nurse
Employment Status: Fulltime
Salary Range: Depending upon qualification and years of experience (base salary) + superannuation,
5 weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading, generous salary sacrifice options
Reports to: Director of Primary Health Care
Positions supervised: None
Location: Mount Isa – may require some remote communities across the North West and
Lower Gulf of Carpentaria region
About Gidgee Healing:
Gidgee Healing is an independent, community controlled health service, with overall direction and management set by a Board
of Directors comprised of representatives from the remote Aboriginal communities of the region. Gidgee takes a broad view of
primary health care, has a philosophy of community participation, and a strong focus on care coordination.
Gidgee Healing is the only Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service representing the health needs of the Aboriginal
people residing in the Mt Isa, North West and Lower Gulf regions of Queensland. We provide a range of primary health care
services to communities across the region with the aim of supporting Aboriginal communities’ own solutions to live long healthy
lives, strengthening our culture and regaining our spirit. The service footprint is now approximately 640,000 km2 and includes
some 11,000 Indigenous persons. It is the largest single Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service provider land area in
Queensland. It has 20 Native Title group land areas; 12 Local Governments; Queensland State Seats of Mount Isa and Gregory;
and two House of Representative Divisions being Kennedy and Maranoa. It also includes two Hospital and Health Service regions
(Central West and North West) which include 12 Hospitals, 7 Primary Health Care Centre’s and two Health Centre’s. Gidgee
Healing shares its boundary with the Central and North West Queensland Medicare Local.
Gidgee Healing currently provides Primary Health Care; GP; Maternal and Child Health; Allied Health; Closing the Gap and
Specialist services. In accordance with the regionalisation process being rolled out across Queensland by the Queensland
Aboriginal & Islander Health Council (QAIHC), Gidgee Healing is in the process of expanding the type and frequency of services
being provided across it’s entire region, including the Gulf communities. In the immediate future, Gidgee will be focusing on
expanding its health promotion and early intervention; primary health care; chronic disease management services; and recovery/
community wellbeing services through the North West and Lower Gulf regions.
Position Summary:
The primary function of this position is to provide high quality nursing practice including assessment, examination, treatment and case management, along with contributing to the development of models of holistic health incorporating continuity of care. The Registered Nurse works within a clinical team environment with the aim of improving the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the provision of comprehensive and culturally valid primary health care services.
Duty Statement and Key Responsibilities:
1. Clinical Service Provision
Undertake a wide range of clinical duties including immunisations, blood collection, wound dressings, patient
screenings etc within well established clinical pathways, protocols and guidelines
Deliver priority health services
Monitor and report on immunisation coverage and completed childhood immunisation, as well relevant vaccinations for adults
Oversee and participate in the assessment, planning and implementation of care based on individual Clients’ needs incorporating a holistic approach to primary health care service delivery
Initiate GPMPs, TCA and their reviews, performing history, examination and relevant monitoring procedures and collating required information for GP completion
Triage clients for the purpose of prioritising clients to ascertain those with immediate needs
Conduct Adult Health checks as required
Responsible for the stock control of medical goods and services required by the service and monitor/maintain control of dispensing/discarding of medical stock according to relevant legislation
Ensure pathology samples are sent to the laboratory or hospital and are stamped and results passed onto the General Practitioner as required
In collaboration with GPs, Aboriginal Health Workers/Practitioners prioritise, facilitate and follow up recalls
Ensure regular servicing of medical equipment is undertaken as scheduled and recorded in the appropriate manner
Ensure the competent use, accuracy and integrity of data entry on the practice management software system, Best Practice
Any other duty as the Director of Primary Health Care, or in the absence of the Director of Primary Health Care, Practice Manager directs
2. Self-Management and Team Contribution
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team including GPs, Aboriginal Health Workers and Allied Health staff
Provide input into the development of clinical practices, procedures and protocols within the nursing work area
Participate in quality and service improvement activities to continually improve Client care
Ensure a coordinated approach to providing health checks and management plans to all clients
Supervise and mentor clinical team members as directed
Comply with a;; professional development requirements for maintenance of registration with AHPRA
Actively participate in continuing education opportunities provided through the organization
Participate in performance reviews, feedback and information sharing discussions that relate to communication, continuous improvement, learning and development, innovation and performance improvement
Advocate for rights and needs of individuals, families and community on health-related issues
3. Administration
Optimise Medicare billings through effective and timely clinical support processes
Collect data on national key performance indicators (nKPIs) as required.
Contribute to clinical reports and research activities
Accurately document client files with treatment and medication information
Ensure maintenance and confidentiality of patient health records
Maintain accurate client records, including the collection and collation of statistical information in order to forecast demand of services and allocations of budgets
Maintain recall and follow up register for clients
4. Key Performance Indicators
As determined by the Director of Primary Health Care, but typically include:
MBS Income
Number of client visits
Monthly CQI Meetings
5. Practical requirements
As an AHPRA registered health professional, your registration includes the assessment of a national history check and the provision of the Blue card (working with children and young people) requirements. Any changes to criminal history should be advised to the supervisor as soon as possible.
Current First Aid Certificate
6. Foster Linkages
Work to foster productive relationships with all Clinic, Program and Support Staff
Streamline procedures for seamless client care within internal staff and external providers
Work to foster productive working relationships with relevant government departments, hospitals, key antenatal and postnatal providers and other specialist providers
7. Legal Obligation:
All relevant health professionals (including registered nurses and medical officers) who, in the course of their duties,
formulate a reasonable suspicion that a child or young person has been abused or neglected in their home/community
environment, have a legislative and a duty of care obligation to immediately report such concerns to the Department of Child
Safety.
Please note that the duties outlined in this position description are not exhaustive, and only an indication of the work of the role. The organisation can direct you to carry out duties which it considers are within your level of skill, competence and training and scope of practice.
Selection Criteria
Essential
1. Current unconditional nursing registration through AHPRA with a minimum of five years’ experience as a Registered
Nurse
2. Demonstrated ability to comply with the professional code of ethics and function in accordance with legislation
affecting nursing practice.
3. A comprehensive understanding of health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and a strong
commitment to improving health outcomes
4. Ability to work sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
5. Commitment to the philosophy and practice of Aboriginal Community Health Control Service
6. Demonstrated skill in working in a primary care setting, in particular the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary
team with a sound understanding of your role in the cycle of care for a client
7. Demonstrated effective verbal and written skills with particular emphasis on interpersonal communication skills,
confidentiality and record keeping
8. Computer literate and ability to work effectively with electronic client record systems
9. Willingness to work flexible hours as required, including the requirement to travel, work and stay overnight for up to several days at a time in remote areas. Willingness to travel by road and small planes.
Desirable:
1. A local Aboriginal or Islander person, with established connections to the region.
2. Current Immunisation endorsement and experience
3. Experience working within a general practice setting
Practical Requirements
Current C Class Drivers Licence (QLD) – essential
Current Blue Card (working with children and young people) or willingness to apply for one
Satisfactory police check – no serious Criminal/Court record
Current CPR and First Aid certificate
Endorsement and Approval
Position description approved by Chief Executive Officer:
Signature: ENDORSED Date: