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Practice managers are often involved in the employment of practice nurses and are likely to have a significant role in future transition programs in general practice. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore practice managers' expectations of new graduate registered nurses working in general practice. A nation-wide web-based electronic survey distributed by the Australian Association of Practice Management was used to collect demographic data and practice managers' expectations of new graduate nurses directly transitioning into general practice in their first year of practice. The sample was broadly representative of the Australian state and territory population numbers. Respondents were predominantly female with postgraduate qualifications. The findings of this study highlight that practice managers who currently work with practice nurses would be supportive of graduate registered nurses in general practice in their first year with preceptor support. The results of this study have important implications for nursing workforce development and it is recommended that such initiatives are widely introduced with appropriate financial support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This debate discusses the potential merits of a New Graduate Nurse Transition to Primary Health Care Program as an untested but potential nursing workforce development and sustainability strategy. Increasingly in Australia, health policy is focusing on the role of general practice and multidisciplinary teams in meeting the service needs of ageing populations in the community. Primary health care nurses who work in general practice are integral members of the multidisciplinary team -- but this workforce is ageing and predicted to face increasing shortages in the future. At the same time, Australia is currently experiencing a surplus of and a corresponding lack of employment opportunities for new graduate nurses. This situation is likely to compound workforce shortages in the future. A national nursing workforce plan that addresses supply and demand issues of primary health care nurses is required. Innovative solutions are required to support and retain the current primary health care nursing workforce, whilst building a skilled and sustainable workforce for the future. Discussion: This debate article discusses the primary health care nursing workforce dilemma currently facing policy makers in Australia and presents an argument for the potential value of a New Graduate Transition to Primary Health Care Program as a workforce development and sustainability strategy. An exploration of factors that may contribute or hinder transition program for new graduates in primary health care implementation is considered. Summary: A graduate transition program to primary health care may play an important role in addressing primary health care workforce shortages in the future. There are, however, a number of factors that need to be simultaneously addressed if a skilled and sustainable workforce for the future is to be realised. The development of a transition program to primary health care should be based on a number of core principles and be subjected to both a summative and cost-effectiveness evaluation involving all key stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood pressure measurement is a vital part of any physical assessment, particularly for people presenting with mental health problems. The measurement techniques are described and the influence of factors common to people with mental health problems, such as stress, vasoactive medication, an unhealthy lifestyle and being overweight, are discussed. Mental health nurses can help in the early detection of physical problems in their clients by carrying out this simple screening procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]