A new chapter in nursing: supporting Alicia’s transition to thrive in general practice
21 July 2026When Alicia Hughes joined Beachmere Health Centre on 31 December 2024, it was more than just a role change; it was her first time working in general practice, after years working as a registered nurse in hospital settings.
Alicia says nursing has always been where her heart lies and although she initially pursued a career in hairdressing, after the birth of her child she realised her true passion was caring for people and connecting with community.
Alicia began her healthcare journey by volunteering in the emergency department of a large coastal hospital in Victoria. She went on to complete a certificate in nursing, followed by studying nursing at Monash University as a mature-aged student. After graduating as a registered nurse in 2016, she worked across medical, surgical and emergency settings on the Mornington Peninsula, progressing into in-charge roles.
After her family relocated to Queensland, Alicia worked in the emergency department at Caboolture Hospital and later in aged care as a wound care nurse, before finding her home at Beachmere Health Centre.
As a Practice Nurse at Beachmere Health Centre, Alicia has undertaken extensive continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives under the support of Brisbane North PHN Engagement Officer – Quality Improvement and Development, Marisol Hernandez, including:
- Immunisation Recall and Reminder Grant – 2025
- Diabetes Initiative – 2025
- Cancer Screening II – 2025
- Multicultural Health – 2025
- Multicultural Children’s Health – 2026.
Alicia is also commencing the current PHASES CQI initiative.
‘Transitioning from hospital nursing into primary care was a significant learning curve, as I had to adapt to a completely different healthcare system and model of care. Brisbane North PHN has played an important role in supporting this transition,’ Alicia says.
‘Through education, quality improvement initiatives and the ongoing support of Marisol, I have developed new skills, expanded my knowledge and my confidence has grown as a practice nurse.
‘With the support and guidance from the team at the PHN and Marisol, it has strengthened my ability to support both our team at Beachmere Health Centre and the wider community we serve.’
Alicia says the PHN-led quality improvement initiatives have had a real impact on the practice. Projects focused on immunisation, preventative health screening, chronic disease management and improving data accuracy have helped identify patients who may otherwise have missed important care.
‘These initiatives have shifted our approach from reactive care to a more proactive model, allowing us to better engage patients, recall those overdue for care and support earlier intervention,’ Alicia says.
One initiative that stands out to Alicia was her first project, Winter Wellness, which focused on recalling vulnerable patients for COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. This project introduced Alicia to data cleansing, accurate patient record keeping and the importance of identifying at-risk patients.
Working collaboratively as a team at Beachmere Health Centre, Alicia says this initiative assisted in updating key patient information, strengthening both our processes and their ability to provide targeted, preventative care.
‘I would encourage any practice not yet engaged with Brisbane North PHN to take advantage of the support available. Their quality improvement programs, education and resources are practical, achievable and make a real difference—not just to systems and data, but to patient care and outcomes,’ Alicia says.
‘I would also like to acknowledge the exceptional support of Marisol over the past year and a half. Her guidance, encouragement and patience made my transition into primary care much smoother and played a key role in building my confidence as a practice nurse. I am incredibly grateful for her mentorship and the positive impact she has had on both my professional growth and the care we provide at Beachmere Health Centre.
‘Today, I am passionate about primary care and the opportunity it provides to build lasting relationships with patients, support preventative health and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives within our community.’
