Kyabram Regional Clinic

How APNA is upskilling nurses in rural communities

The Chronic Disease Management and Healthy Ageing Program is a godsend for busy registered nurses like Erica Maguire, who works at Kyabram Regional Clinic in north central Victoria.  

“It can be difficult for nurses working in rural locations to access education, sometimes travel can be an issue.” 

When she heard about CDMHA, she joined the six-month education and support program without hesitation. 

"Having CDMHA online made it quite easy", she says, "It was great to refresh my skills... doing [the program] has made me more aware of the needs of our patients, with the management of their day-to-day life.” 

Practice manager Amelia Caroll also praises the program and how it's helped her nurses. 

"It gave them a deeper understanding of chronic disease. It was able to give a boost of support when they saw patients for their care plans." 

"The bulk of their work is chronic disease plan, so we found that really beneficial for them," added Amelia.   

"It just gave us a bit more comprehensive care for the patients." 

To learn more about the program, you can watch our video on the experience: 

CDMHA is part of the Nursing in Primary Health Care Program, supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.