Breaking down barriers for nurses will boost health sector productivity and improve care

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association has today welcomed the agreement by Treasurers to allow health practitioners to work to their full scope of practice.  

“The Scope of Practice review made 18 clear recommendations – acting on them can break down barriers for nurses, enabling a more productive health care sector, and better care for people” said APNA President Denise Lyons.  

“APNA’s annual workforce survey of primary health care nurses was cited in the Scope of Practice review terms of reference. We know from the latest data that 30% of nurses working in primary health care are not regularly or often working to their full scope of practice”. 

“APNA’s Workforce Survey data shows that scope of practice also impacts retention. Nurses in primary health care who work to their full scope of practice are more likely to stay in the workforce for longer. That matters more than ever as Australia faces rising chronic disease, and workforce shortages forecast to increase over time.  

“Primary health care nurses are a highly educated, skilled and experienced workforce”, said APNA CEO Stephen Duns. “Steps like designated nurse prescribing are an important change, and follow years of advocacy by APNA and others.” 

“And we know that there’s so much more that nurses can do if we break down the barriers. Getting funding settings right and implementing other recommendations of the Scope of Practice Review, can enable more nurses to work to the top of their scope of practice in critical areas like vaccination, wound care, and preventing and managing chronic conditions.”  

About APNA 

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia. APNA champions the role of primary health care nurses; to advance professional recognition, ensure workforce sustainability, nurture leadership in health, and optimise the role of nurses in patient-centred care. 

APNA is bold, vibrant and future-focused. We reflect the views of our membership and the broader profession by bringing together nurses from across Australia to represent, advocate, promote and celebrate the achievements of nurses in primary health care. 

APNA represents a significant and rapidly expanding workforce; primary health care nurses account for around one in eight of the 640,000 registered health professionals in Australia.